Harlansburg Station Transportation Museum Collection Auction by Central Mass Auctions

Harlansburg Station Museum's Auction: A Treasure Trove of Transport History

After 34 years of delighting visitors, the Harlansburg Station Transportation Museum has closed its doors, marking the end of an era for transportation enthusiasts. The museum, which showcased a diverse collection of transportation memorabilia, is now set to auction its treasures through Central Mass Auctions, with bidding ending on September 9, 2025.

Donald Barnes, the founder of the museum, created a haven for transportation artifacts beginning in 1991. Over the years, his passion for collecting led to the accumulation of a vast array of items reflecting various modes of transport. Visitors have found joy in exploring the extensive collection of railroad memorabilia, which includes four vintage passenger cars, each telling its own story of travel and adventure.

Among the standout pieces are nautical relics such as a brass ship's binnacle and a ship's wheel, alongside handcrafted models that honor the maritime legacy. For the road-trippers and aviation fans, a California Highway Patrol motorcycle, a Greyhound Bus ticket window, and vintage gas pumps round out the eclectic collection. One of the museum's most charming exhibits includes an antique telephone booth complete with its original telephone and advertising signs, igniting nostalgia for days gone by.

Barnes reflects on the origins of his collection: “As a commercial airline pilot, I traveled to different cities and experienced the excitement of searching for unique artifacts. I would find myself in bus stations, train stations, or airports, eager to meet people who worked in transportation; they had fascinating stories that fueled my curiosity.”

The auction not only offers a chance to own a piece of history, but many items also carry local significance. Features include a bronze airport sign from Pittsburgh and an electric steam engine model from the Pittsburgh and Lake Erie headquarters. Highlights also boast a ship's bell from a Pennsylvania riverboat and meticulously crafted models of historic local riverboats. This impressive collection numbers over 1,000 individual items, each waiting to find a new home.

Wayne Tuiskula of Central Mass Auctions expresses his admiration for the collection, stating, “It’s truly an honor that Central Mass Auctions was selected to manage the sale of these remarkable items gathered by Mr. Barnes.” This sentiment resonates with many who appreciate the history and culture embedded within these artifacts.

The museum has attracted visitors from far and wide over the past three decades, and now the public has the opportunity to acquire meaningful mementos of this unique establishment. To provide further insight, a preview of the auction items will take place at the museum on September 6-7, 2025, from 9 AM to 3 PM. Online bidding will officially conclude on September 9, 2025, starting at 10 AM.

For more details about this auction and future opportunities, interested parties can visit Central Mass Auctions or contact Wayne Tuiskula directly at [email protected] or call 508-612-6111. Don’t miss the chance to own a piece of transport history!