By Tim Marks
We noticed a billboard for a Harley dealership as we drove through northwestern Ohio on our way to Grand Rapids, Ohio, and Dominique remembered reading something about a museum in the Harley dealership.
So, we checked it out.
The Napoleon Harley Davidson dealership is just outside of town at the US-24 exit, and the first thing you see walking into the building is the museum.
A bit of history first. The dealership started in 1962 by World War II vet Bill Soals and Bryce O’Daniels with “$500 and two basket cases of parts” according to the business' Web site.
The dealership honors Bill’s service to his country with a showcase in the museum.
Bill’s daughter Donna Jean “D.J.” and his son-in-law Marv Yagel took the dealership over after Marv’s return from military service in Viet Nam. The dealership became a labor of love for the Yagels.
Marv died in 2014 and Jim and Lynn Loomis, who by all indications take very good care of their customers, now own the dealership.
Back to the museum. Marv collected Harley memorabilia and Harley Davidson Motorcycles. The museum includes nine 1962 Harley Davidson motorcycles, four of which were lovingly restored by Marv.
The museum displays the bikes behind doors and windows that simulate garages, offices, and workshops. This great selection of 1962 bikes from the Motor Company will please any motorcycle fan regardless of what she rides.
Even better than the bikes, in my opinion is the collection of memorabilia.
The museum showcases Marv’s fabulous knife collection, most that have Harley engravings on the blades or handles. There is also a wonderful collection of Harley 50th anniversary items that includes a ceramic flask and several beer steins.
One of the most intriguing pieces is a gas tank signed by Willie G. Davidson, Vaughn Beals and Charles Thomson, the executives responsible for the buy-back of Harley Davidson from AMF, an event cherished among Harley riders. The tank is one of only nine in existence that celebrate the buy-back.
After wandering through the museum, we entered the dealership showroom where the comparison of the current Harleys to the 1962 versions is instructive. While the new Harleys are much more modern and more high-tech, they are Harleys through and through. You can see and feel the Harley DNA handed down from the classics to the present.
Dominique was taking some photos of a bright red Ultra Limited in the showroom when a sales agent came over and offered to push the bike out of line so she could get a better shot. If that’s the way they treat first-time visitors, imagine how well they treat regular customers!
Visiting Napoleon Harley and the museum is well worth your time.
I have to say that this Suzuki rider was impressed!
Be sure you check out the first in Tim's Back in the Saddle stories about being a returning motorcycle rider, Returning to Motorcycling after 40 years.
Text © Tim Marks 2015 All rights reserved
Photos © Tim Marks and Dominique King 2015 All rights reserved
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