JA Cooley Museum

10/11/2020

Friends of JA Cooley we are having a phone issue- we are open till 4
Friday - Monday - please call 619 2951611 for information

09/26/2020

San Diego’s Hidden Gem

Welcome back to the JA Cooley Museum
We are here to entertain you Friday- Monday-4233 Park Blvd San Diego ca 92103
6192963112

#visitsandiego #mustseesandiego #mustseesandiego #vintagesandiego
#modelrailroad #antiquecars #sandiegohistory #wurlitzer #generalmotors #chevy #whattodoinsandiego
#sandiegocalifornia #thingstodoinsandiego
#sandiegomuseum

09/05/2020

We are open and the music is playing for you

09/04/2020

Welcome back! We are open and here to entertain you. The music is playing and we’ve added a few new items.
Friday- Monday
4233 Park Blvd San Diego Ca 92103

San Diego’s hidden gem

#sandiegohiddengem
#mustseesandiego
#visitsandiego

06/13/2020

A little weekend music to get your party started

#wurlitzer
#sdhiddengem
#visitsandiego
#sdautomuaeum
#hillcrest
#sdmuseum
#sdhistory
#universityheights

06/12/2020

As mentioned recently on Ken Kramer About San Diego- the treasures of leather postcards. 1903-1907 was the popular way to communicate with style. Here’s a small sample of our postcard collection. They became famous when women started to collect them and sewed them together to make pillows .
We are now open
Friday 12-4 pm, Saturday & Sunday 11am-5pm and Monday 12-4 pm
$5 admission

#stayhomestaysafe
#sandiego
#modelrailroad
#covid19
#Hillcrest
#UniversityHeights
#VisitSanDiego
#SDAutoMuseum
#MustseeSanDIego
#AmericasFinestCity
#STAYcationSanDiego
#Museumlife
#SDCulturalArts
#SDHistory
#markmaynard
#jayleno
#aboutsandiego
#humbleandkind

06/09/2020

We are closed Tuesday-Thursday temporarily but we let the music still play
#hillcreat
#sdhisdengem

06/06/2020

A little music to soothe your soul-our apologies it hasn’t ran in a year and needs a tune up

#stayhomestaysafe
#sandiego
#modelrailroad
#covid19
#Hillcrest
#UniversityHeights
#VisitSanDiego
#SDAutoMuseum
#MustseeSanDIego
#AmericasFinestCity
#STAYcationSanDiego
#Museumlife
#SDCulturalArts
#SDHistory
#Lioneltrains
#Wurlitzer
#Sandiegohiddengem
#virtualmuseumsandiego
#stillplayingwithtoys
#antiquetoys
#toysofyesteryear
#vintageSanDiego
#8news
#KPBS
#NBCSanDiego
#kusi
#10newssandiego
#markmaynard
#jayleno
#aboutsandiego
#humbleandkind

06/06/2020

thanks to Pr Conway Stone for sharing:

Ten Commandments for the Car Collector

RULE 1. Thou shalt not store thy cars out-of-doors, except for thy wife's modern iron.

RULE 2. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's car, nor his garage, nor his battery charger.

RULE 3. Thou shalt not love thy cars more than thy wife and children; as much, but not more.

RULE 4. Thou shalt not read thy Hemmings on company time, lest thy employer make it impossible to continue thy car payments.

RULE 5. Thou shalt not despise thy neighbor's Edsel, nor his DeSoto, nor even his 1947 Plymouth.

RULE 6. Thou shalt not allow thy daughters nor thy sons to get married during the holy days of Hershey.

RULE 7. Thou shalt not deceive thy wife into thinking that thee is taking her for a romantic Sunday drive when, indeed, thou art going out to look at another car.

RULE 8. Thou shalt not tell thy spouse the entire cost of thy latest restoration, at least not all at the same time.

RULE 9. Thou shalt not promise thy wife a new addition to the house and then use it to store cars; thou shalt not store cars in the attic.

RULE 10. Thou shalt not buy thy wife a floor jack for Christmas!

- Donald R. Peterson

Open Friday 12pm-4pm
Saturday & Sunday 11am-5pm
Monday 12pm-4pm

#covid19
#Hillcrest
#UniversityHeights
#VisitSanDiego
#SDAutoMuseum
#MustseeSanDIego
#AmericasFinestCity
#STAYcationSanDiego
#Museumlife
#SDCulturalArts
#SDHistory
#Lioneltrains
#Wurlitzer
#Sandiegohiddengem
#virtualmuseumsandiego
#stillplayingwithtoys
#antiquetoys
#Frankthetrainman
#toysofyesteryear
#vintageSanDiego
#8news
#KPBS
#NBCSanDiego
#kusi
#10newssandiego
#markmaynard
#jayleno
#aboutsandiego
#humbleandkind
#familylegacyforever

06/04/2020

Frank the Trainman mural Train of Wisdom.

Appreciate when you have a dream and a vision - only thing we need is a little help from our friend-

Our story:

Frank the Trainman and J. A. Cooley Museum: Hidden Gem

Frank Cox, original founder of “Frank the Trainman” developed a love for trains after receiving an electric train as a Christmas present when he was a child. His love became his livelihood. He became the San Diego dean of toy railways and founder of the “Frank the Trainman” store where young and old railroad enthusiasts sought conversation, repairs or new models. He began his business in his University Heights residence on Cleveland Avenue in 1941.

Later he moved to a building at Park and El Cajon Boulevards next to the Board of Education property and San Diego College in 1943 . In the 1987 Mission Federal Credit Union bought the property and in homage
to Frank the new building was designed to resemble a locomotive, including the national historical animated neon train sign that lit up Mr. Cox’s store for many years plus the mural behind of an engine.https://coolsandiegosights.com/2018/10/29/frank-the-trainman-mural-train-of-wisdom/

The neon sign was featured in countless World Fairs for it's automation and has been featured in the Smithsonian as one of the most famous neon signs in the country. Neon enthusiast still come today to visit the iconic sign and mural on the back.

University Heights is home to San Diego’s most original collection of antiques and automobiles,the J.A. Cooley museum.

Frank the Trainman, and J. A. (Jim) Cooley were best friends from their early 20’s till the end. An original Stand by Me friendship . They would meet at Topsy’s weekly for lunch (where Great Maple is located) where they talked about business, their love of San Diego, trains, music and many prominent San Diegan would join- John Alessio, Mickey Finn, Tom Sefton and countless others would join. If only the walls could talk.They loved music, dancing and lunching together. Their friendship lasted a lifetime.

When Frank’s health was failing Frank asked his best friend to take over the business and Jim Cooley became Frank the Traiman with his wife Carmen by his side always.

Jim overnight became Frank the Trainman for 40 years after Frank’s passing. Last year Jim joined Frank in that great switching yard in the sky but you can still enjoy their love of antiques at the J. A. Cooley Museum right
here in #Universityheights #hillcrest #theblvd

Opened in 1997 across the street from the original location the JA Cooley museum emorphsis. The property came available and over dinner Jim and his wife Carmen decided to open their museum @ 4233 Park Blvd location. Jim and Carmen's museum consist of toys dating from 1870, antique baby carriages, a collection of antique bells, classy automobiles, and a Cremona G nickelodeon with an elaborate art deco design the visitors favorite and national known Wurlitzer..There are over 30 collections ,something for everybody. The largest rarest camera collection west of the Mississippi to the 1910 Hunt the only car handmade in San Diego. Most of the private collection has roots to San Diego history. 32 transportation vehicles from the first Benz 1885 to the Buick XP2000
a concept car. Most are the last or few left in existence. This is a San Diego hidden gem that reflects not only history but also when you have a dream and your hard-dedication makes it a reality.

Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for kids. Memberships are available starting at $20 a year.

Temporary hours are Monday and Friday, noon to 4 pm; and Saturday and Sunday, noon to 5pm.

First responders, nurses and essential workers are free on Mondays with an ID badge.

Because of COVID-19, reservations are suggested but not required.—

Frank the Trainman, 'Dean of Collectors,' Dies of Heart Attack

📷

Frank the Trainman, 'Dean of Collectors,' Dies of Heart Attack

Frank Cox, known to generations of San Diegans as "Frank the Trainman" because of a four-decade affiliation with...

Thank you so very muchMural to Trainman Is a Little Off the Beaten Track📷Mural to Trainman Is a Little Off the Beaten Track
When one of the largest, most colorful pieces of public art ever commissioned in the city makes its official deb...Frank the Trainman mural Train of Wisdom.Frank the Trainman mural Train of Wisdom.
A mural titled Cosmic Train of Wisdom, painted in 1989 by local Chicano artist Mario Torero and students from O’...

#stayhomestaysafe
#sandiego
#modelrailroad
#covid19
#Hillcrest
#UniversityHeights
#VisitSanDiego
#SDAutoMuseum
#MustseeSanDIego
#AmericasFinestCity
#STAYcationSanDiego
#Museumlife
#SDCulturalArts
#SDHistory
#Lioneltrains
#Wurlitzer
#Sandiegohiddengem
#virtualmuseumsandiego
#stillplayingwithtoys
#antiquetoys
#toysofyesteryear
#vintageSanDiego
#8news
#KPBS
#NBCSanDiego
#kusi
#10newssandiego
#markmaynard
#jayleno
#aboutsandiego
#humbleandkind
#familylegacyforever

A mural titled Cosmic Train of Wisdom, painted in 1989 by local Chicano artist Mario Torero and students from O’Farrell High School of Performing Arts and Roosevelt Junior High School, decora…

05/30/2020

Ken Kramer's About San Diego | Season 1 | Episode 84 - Thursday, May 14

When we re-opened today immediately we had visitors and most mentioning the latest Ken Kramer episode.

My father loved spending time with Ken. Ken loves San Diego and all it's great history and my father loved sharing his stories and collection. Here is the segment Ken Kramer did for my dad on his May 14th episode. Here's the link and words can not express enough our gratitude to Ken-

https://www.pbs.org/video/episode-84-thursday-may-14-uumczh/

Starts about 21 mins in- or also in comments below but it's a great episode!!

#stayhomestaysafe
#sandiego
#modelrailroad
#covid19
#Hillcrest
#UniversityHeights
#VisitSanDiego
#SDAutoMuseum
#MustseeSanDIego
#AmericasFinestCity
#STAYcationSanDiego
#Museumlife
#SDCulturalArts
#SDHistory
#Lioneltrains
#Wurlitzer
#Sandiegohiddengem
#virtualmuseumsandiego
#stillplayingwithtoys
#antiquetoys
#toysofyesteryear
#vintageSanDiego
#8news
#KPBS
#NBCSanDiego
#kusi
#10newssandiego
#markmaynard
#jayleno
#aboutsandiego
#humbleandkind
#familylegacyforever

We recall the Pacific Square Ballroom and the emotional lift provided during war and more!

05/29/2020

We are open and welcoming visitors with CDC guidelines in place-
New hours Friday 12-4pm
Saturday & Sunday 11am-5pm
Monday 12-4pm

Large groups by appointment only or private tours call 6192187390
Www.jacooleymuseum.com

Thanks for the support through the last 2 months and 77 years as Frank the Trainman

Carmen Cooley-Graham

#stayhomestaysafe
#sandiego
#modelrailroad
#covid19
#Hillcrest
#UniversityHeights
#VisitSanDiego
#SDAutoMuseum
#MustseeSanDIego
#AmericasFinestCity
#STAYcationSanDiego
#Museumlife
#SDCulturalArts
#SDHistory
#Lioneltrains
#Wurlitzer
#Sandiegohiddengem
#virtualmuseumsandiego
#stillplayingwithtoys
#antiquetoys
#toysofyesteryear
#vintageSanDiego
#8news
#KPBSKenKramer
#NBCSanDiego
#kusi
#10newssandiego
#markmaynard

05/25/2020

Honoring Their Legacy

These times remind us of the many men and women who have given their lives to keep Americans safe. On this Memorial Day, we honor the memory of soldiers we have lost and invite you to join us in reflection and remembrance for them and their families, and all who serve.

05/18/2020

Friends of the JA Cooley Museum

We will be re-opening Friday May 29th at 12pm.

Our new Covid hours will be

Friday 12-4pm

Saturday & Sunday 11am-5pm

Monday 12-4pm

Tues-Thursday we will be temporarily closed for cleaning.

We will have to limit how many can be inside at a time so we will be taking reservations and offering private tours please call 619-218-7390 for arrangements.

Also in CDC guidelines- temperatures will be taken at the door (forehead), mask at all times, limit contact with the staff and collection and plenty of hand sanitizer available. Social distancing is strictly enforced.

Your safety and enjoyment is our greatest concern.

Admission is $5 for adults $2 kids 10 and under

Monday through the month of June First responders, healthcare workers and grocery workers are FREE!!

05/18/2020

Re-opening of JA Cooley Museum

We are excited to announce we are re-opening May 29,2020 12pm-4pm
We will be adapting our hours temporarily
Friday-12pm-4p,
Saturday & Sunday 11am-5pm
Monday 12pm-4pm

We will be closed Tuesday-Thursday for cleaning and sanitation.
Reservations suggested but not required as we will be limiting the amount of people inside. Call 619-218-7390

Covid safety precautions will be in effect to include -forehead temperature checks, mask are required at all times,social distancing strongly enforced, hand sanitizer stations and minimal contact with staff and collection.

Admission $5
Mondays for the Month of June is free for Health Care workers, first responders and grocery workers as a thank you.

We look forward to welcoming you. Your safety and enjoyment is our first concern.

Call for store orders and pick ups- PM for stock inquiries!

05/16/2020

Picture this - an open museum

05/11/2020

Working on re-opening soon- stay tuned but today’s virtual tour is a silent one but we have vintage signs and antique photos. In our new economic times will we re see these posters again?
#stayhomestaysafe
#sandiego
#modelrailroad
#covid19
#Hillcrest
#UniversityHeights
#VisitSanDiego
#SDAutoMuseum
#MustseeSanDIego
#AmericasFinestCity
#STAYcationSanDiego
#Museumlife
#SDCulturalArts
#SDHistory
#Lioneltrains
#Wurlitzer
#Sandiegohiddengem
#virtualmuseumsandiego
#stillplayingwithtoys
#antiquetoys
#toysofyesteryear
#vintageSanDiego
#8news
#KPBSKenKramer
#NBCSanDiego/

05/08/2020

Ken Kramer's About San Diego

Throwback to our segment on Ken Kramer

#stayhomestaysafe
#sandiego
#modelrailroad
#covid19
#Hillcrest
#UniversityHeights
#VisitSanDiego
#SDAutoMuseum
#MustseeSanDIego
#AmericasFinestCity
#STAYcationSanDiego
#Museumlife
#SDCulturalArts
#SDHistory
#Lioneltrains
#Wurlitzer
#Sandiegohiddengem
#virtualmuseumsandiego
#stillplayingwithtoys
#antiquetoys
#toysofyesteryear
#vintageSanDiego
#8news
#KPBSKenKramer
#NBCSanDiego/

Ken Kramer's About San Diego airs Thursdays at 8:00 P.M. on KPBS -TV.

05/04/2020

Virtual tour #jacooleymuseum #sandiegosmustseemuaeum #visitsandiego
1910 Hudson

04/30/2020

Virtual museum how many of you feel this way in your quarantine -

04/24/2020

1913 Cadillac

Today’s virtual tour of the JA Cooley Museum

04/22/2020

J. A. Cooley Museum - San Diego

Today's virtual tour of the JA Cooley Museum- our collection has grown since this was filmed and we look forward to opening soon as we have made some changes- Enjoy this tour and stay safe.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuPYeczsaZk

#stayhomestaysafe
#sandiego
#modelrailroad
#covid19
#Hillcrest
#UniversityHeights
#VisitSanDiego
#SDAutoMuseum
#MustseeSanDIego
#AmericasFinestCity
#STAYcationSanDiego
#Museumlife
#SDCulturalArts
#SDHistory
#Lioneltrains
#Wurlitzer
#Sandiegohiddengem
#virtualmuseumsandiego
#stillplayingwithtoys
#antiquetoys
#toysofyesteryear
#vintageSanDiego
#8news
#KPBSKenKramer
#NBCSanDiego/

The J.A. Cooley Museum, founded by Jim and Carmen Cooley, is the result of a lifetime spent preserving the remarkable history of the technology from the late...

04/21/2020

Got toys?Virtual play date

Virtual tour of the day- let’s play with some toys- comment below if you have any of these as a kid

My apologies for video- we’re a museum not a film crew

#stayhomestaysafe
#sandiego
#modelrailroad
#covid19
#Hillcrest
#UniversityHeights
#VisitSanDiego
#SDAutoMuseum
#MustseeSanDIego
#AmericasFinestCity
#STAYcationSanDiego
#Museumlife
#SDCulturalArts
#SDHistory
#Lioneltrains
#Wurlitzer
#Sandiegohiddengem
#virtualmuseumsandiego
#stillplayingwithtoys
#antiquetoys
#toysofyesteryear
#vintageSanDiego
#8news
#KPBSKenKramer
#NBCSanDiego/

04/20/2020

Today's virtual tour is a video clip from an interview with @LarryHimmel of San Diego CBS 8 - San Diego News
Hope you enjoy the flashback

https://www.cbs8.com/article/news/local/larry-himmel/trains-games-and-automobiles-larry-himmel/509-3e5defc8-8964-45af-9d76-7e13ab5c6412

#sandiego
#modelrailroad
#covid19
#Hillcrest
#UniversityHeights
#VisitSanDiego
#SDAutoMuseum
#MustseeSanDIego
#AmericasFinestCity
#STAYcationSanDiego
#Museumlife
#SDCulturalArts
#SDHistory
#Lioneltrains
#Wurlitzer
#Sandiegohiddengem

04/17/2020

Some Friday dance music to put a little pep into your day and weekend -

#sandiego
#modelrailroad
#covid19
#Hillcrest
#UniversityHeights
#VisitSanDiego
#SDAutoMuseum
#MustseeSanDIego
#AmericasFinestCity
#STAYcationSanDiego
#Museumlife
#SDCulturalArts
#SDHistory
#Lioneltrains
#Wurlitzer
#Sandiegohiddengem

04/17/2020

Virtual tour of the day
1912 Cartercar
#visitsandiego
#sdmuseums
#sandiegohiddengem
#hillcrest
#universityheights#wurlitzer
#staycation
#coronavirus2020
#mustseesandiego

04/16/2020

Virtual museum tour of the Maxwell

Enjoy
#virtualmuseumsandiego
#visitsandiego
#sdmuseums
#sandiegohiddengem
#hillcrest
#universityheights#wurlitzer
#staycation
#coronavirus2020
#mustseesandiego

04/09/2020

I hear the bells are ringing in San Diego

#visitsandiego
#sdmuseums
#sandiegohiddengem
#hillcrest
#universityheights#wurlitzer
#staycation
#coronavirus2020
#mustseesandiego