Prof. Robert
New member
Hey folks, I might be the last motorcyclist in the known world to know about this place, but if IÔÇÖm not then read on. Boadicea, my daughter, Trudi, my wife, and I just returned home after Thanksgiving with my In-laws in Junction City, Kansas; but as fascinating as that story might be, I really want to tell everyone about finding a couple of motorcycle museums ÔÇ£in Beautiful, Historic Marquette, Kansas.ÔÇØ Trudi discovered a brochure for the Kansas Motorcycle Museum at the Kansas Tourist Center just north of Oklahoma where we stopped for a ... well you know. So we decided to check the place out on the way home. In addition to finding the KMM, we also found that Marquette hosted another motorcycle museum--the British Motorcycle Museum! Marquette seems to be a very motorcycle friendly village (itÔÇÖs a pretty small town).
The BMM was closed when we were there, so we didnÔÇÖt get to enjoy its wonders; however, the KMM was open for everyoneÔÇÖs viewing pleasure. And a pleasure it was. The place is run by an elderly couple, Stan and LaVona Engdahl, whose enthusiasm is infectious, and knowledge seems endless. And better yet, they are willing to share that enthusiasm and knowledge with anyone who is willing to participate in motorcycle lore. The walls are filled with memorabilia, pictures of Stan during his racing days, and the myriad trophies he won. The floors support an eclectic display of 108 motorcycles, scooters, and bicycles. They even had a BMW on display! I believe it was an R60/2. But for me, one of the most interesting display was a scooter built by three sailors during W.W.II. Although the little two wheeler looked like a piece of farm equipment, it did have hydraulic brakes. I could go on and on, but I donÔÇÖt want to ÔÇ£spoil the movie by giving away the ending.ÔÇØ
So if youÔÇÖre ever on the Interstate between Wichita and Salina, turn west at Lindsborg on 4 and visit Stan and La Vona. You wonÔÇÖt regret the side trip. Their address is:
Kansas Motorcycle Museum
120 N. Washington
P.O. Box 404
Marquette, Ks 67464
(785)546-2449
marquette@ks-usa.net
www.ksmm.us
Stan told me that he didnÔÇÖt think the website was up and running yet, but it soon should be. Also they are hosting a ÔÇ£THUNDER ON THE SMOKYÔÇØ rally on May 19, 2007 if anyone is interested.
WeÔÇÖre going back the next time weÔÇÖre in the area.
Robert
The BMM was closed when we were there, so we didnÔÇÖt get to enjoy its wonders; however, the KMM was open for everyoneÔÇÖs viewing pleasure. And a pleasure it was. The place is run by an elderly couple, Stan and LaVona Engdahl, whose enthusiasm is infectious, and knowledge seems endless. And better yet, they are willing to share that enthusiasm and knowledge with anyone who is willing to participate in motorcycle lore. The walls are filled with memorabilia, pictures of Stan during his racing days, and the myriad trophies he won. The floors support an eclectic display of 108 motorcycles, scooters, and bicycles. They even had a BMW on display! I believe it was an R60/2. But for me, one of the most interesting display was a scooter built by three sailors during W.W.II. Although the little two wheeler looked like a piece of farm equipment, it did have hydraulic brakes. I could go on and on, but I donÔÇÖt want to ÔÇ£spoil the movie by giving away the ending.ÔÇØ
So if youÔÇÖre ever on the Interstate between Wichita and Salina, turn west at Lindsborg on 4 and visit Stan and La Vona. You wonÔÇÖt regret the side trip. Their address is:
Kansas Motorcycle Museum
120 N. Washington
P.O. Box 404
Marquette, Ks 67464
(785)546-2449
marquette@ks-usa.net
www.ksmm.us
Stan told me that he didnÔÇÖt think the website was up and running yet, but it soon should be. Also they are hosting a ÔÇ£THUNDER ON THE SMOKYÔÇØ rally on May 19, 2007 if anyone is interested.
WeÔÇÖre going back the next time weÔÇÖre in the area.
Robert
