Thursday, November 25, 2010

Back to Bud's









Although most are familiar with the Greene County Museum in Waynesburg, there is another little known spot full of as much local history as you can stuff in a garage.  Between Crucible and Carmichaels, Pa sits one of the coolset spots I've ever had the pleasure of visiting.  Bud Bradmon's body shop if so full of local history and just cool stuff, it would take several visits to see it all.  Bud says "You gotta get in the corners and look!" He isn't kidding.
Initially, you notice the cars.  The Hudson in the garage is a must see!  The vintage gas pumps and soda machines are the next eye catchers.  Signs from local business adorn the fence and walls.  You'll be saying "Hey, I remember that" more than once, I assure you.



Once inside, the neck spasms begin.Items from the past decades are everywhere you look.  Model airplanes, soda bottles, record albums, photos, vintage toys, memoribila from local businesses...it's quite amazing.  Even the King himself sits in a soda shop booth ready to share a peanut butter and banana sandwich! But theres more..
Its the items bud has cataloged in his office that are the most interesting.  Map books from as early at the 1700s,  items such as gasolene ration cupons from the war era and even his paycheck stubs from his job as a teenager! Bud raked in a cool $18 a week!
Now, before you American Pickers start emailing me..I'm prety sure Bud isn't interested in selling anything.  Actually, local residents who know Bud bring him items to add to the collection. We even took him some trinkets from the Nemacolin Mine trip. Business items from the Carmichaels, Nemacolin, Crucible and Rices Landing areas are what he treaures the most.  Whats cool is, you not only get to see his collection, but get a history lesson behind it.  Bud is a wonderful man who offers up a hot cup of coffee and insight into things and places the upcomming generation may never know.

Check out the video for a small tour.




If you stop by Bud's garage, make a donation and sign the fire truck.  The donations will go to the Ronald McDonald House, a charity near and dear to Buds family.  "Back To Buds" is gonna be a regular feature here on SWPARE...Look for a story in the Greene Saver, too.  And remember, if you find a cool old sign or bottle, take it to Bud, he'll find a spot for it!  When I go back, I'm taking my Dad...I wanna sit back and listen to those stories!  

4 comments:

  1. I have the pleasure of helping him find some of those treasures. There is always something new every time I am there.

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  2. Chip, when I got back from there, the Greene Saver was in my box, and this issue contains the story.

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  3. Very cool. Didn't know the place existed.

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    Replies
    1. Yep. Down near Tin Can Hollow. Stop on by and check it out, great guy!

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