Wille’s Tin Shop closed this year after being in business for 116 years and recently donated the sign to the museum. The Wille’s Tin shop sign is now proudly displayed outside Roxanne’s Exhibition Room on their patio with Long Beach historical murals.
While most of the museum’s collection is in storage awaiting a home, at least one significant item is now on public display. See the only remaining Cyclone Racer car from the Long Beach Pike at Looff’s Lite-A-Line. A sign at the exhibit says, “Looff’s Lite-A-Line has completely restored and proudly presents the last remaining of the original Cyclone Racer Rollercoaster cars built in 1930. All the other cars were destroyed in September of 1968 along with the great ride itself at the Long Beach Pike. The late Ken Larkey and the Long Beach Heritage Museum have saved this car from destruction.
“The track underneath the car and the pilot dolley in front of it are exact replicas that have been masterfully built in original design by Larry Osterhoudt, the premiuer authority on the Cyclone Race. Larry has spent fifteen years recreating all the blue prints in minute detail to rebuild this fabulous ride.”