Written By: Sarah Reish

We are excited to have Reliant Federal Credit Union join our Live WYld team of sponsors. Our sponsors deserve all the love as they support us in continuing our exploration of Wyoming and getting great content to share and connecting our rural communities. Reliant Federal Credit Union has joined our team and asked to sponsor our visits to small businesses as we look for and highlight some really cool hidden gems across the state. This month we are diving into this unique and one-of-a-kind museum, The Frontier Relics & Auto Museum! It is located in Gillette, and is a privately owned collection that will knock your socks off!

The History

As, mentioned this is a privately owned museum and collection. The Wandler family moved to Gillette from Montana in 1962. The father opened L&H Welding & Machine Co. In the late 60’s the family moved from town out to a farm and the Wandler brothers (sons) found their love of muscle cars and drag racing. As time went by, Jeff (son) soon took notice of his father old car collection and various other items. Soon Jeff was restoring the Hudsons and joining his father at auctions. When the current property that houses the museum came available Jeff realized the dream to display his father’s collection could be unfolding. The current location of the museum was built in 1949 and funny enough, it was originally a Ford Dealership, which ads to the nostalgia of the museum. It is the perfect location for such an amazing museum.

Nostalgia Runs Deep

When you step through the doors you step back in time. I don’t know what I expected, but I was flabbergast upon entering the building. Oversized vintage signs are lit and hung tastefully throughout the building. The layout leaves you feeling comfortable while your eyes take in another era in an up-close and personal way. It is so much more than cars or automobiles, it is a look at the cars and the time period where cars really changed our way of life. Camping with your car, going to a drive-in theater with your car, and even driving into town to go shopping. The museum celebrate what life was like when cars took over and we no longer had use for horses and wagons. While speaking to the staff we learned, that the Wandlers would try to choose items to collect that were from Wyoming. Not to sound too cheesy, but it really is like stepping back in time while you are in the museum; however, this is because it is fully immersive. There are no roped off areas and you get to walk through and become a part of the history.

The Unique Approach

I already shared it was an immersive experience that throws us back in time, but it isn’t just a auto museum. It is like a movie set from Back to the Future. Each gallery has its own theme. The barbershop looks like a functioning barbershop from the 1930’s or 40’s with speakers playing sounds of clippers and hair driers. Your eyes absorbing every tiny detail that is part of the barbershop collection. Step into the clothiers shop and look at hats, dresses, gloves… little televisions are set up in corners playing vintage shows and commercials. A laundry mat, soda shop, and even a drive-in movie theater was playing the original black and white Superman movie. All of your senses are taking in the experience. (Yes, there is a coffee shop and an ice cream counter). From the bike shop to the little campground featuring Colemans vintage gear you will find something you’ve grown up with or seen at your grandparents home. Each gallery is built with an exterior, like a vintage building, and it is placed in a town with cars throughout. It is essentially an indoor vintage town. The theme is focused and rich throughout the museum. Nothing was left out and you felt the experience the Wandlers envisioned and executed to perfection.

The Favorites

Steve’s favorite was the drive-in theater set up outside of the soda shop, gun store, and laundry mat. He also said the vintage gas station globes were a favorite feature. It is a theme that ran throughout the museum. All of the globes were pristine and lit. My favorite was the mechanic shop. It looked and smelled like a vintage running shop. It felt like I could pull my own car right in and everything was there to service it. Having grown up with my parents having a machine shop I think the Wandlers excelled at creating a display so authentically complete. The other favorite detail in the museum for me was that the galleries had no ropes, nothing was holding us back from exploring and really experiencing the displays from top to bottom and back to front. I could look closely at a detail or step back to experience the scene as a whole. It truly felt like time stood still in this museum town. Life froze and walking through it felt like you could just pick up where time left off. Also, this museum features an amazing antique store with old doors, windows, toys, and furniture. Be sure to explore the store before or after going through the museum.

Get in your car now!

Seriously, everyone needs to head to this museum, make it your weekend get away. If you live in Gillette, get out there and support this local family and their amazing Wyoming relics. It is one of the coolest museums and I cannot wait to go back. Be sure to take photos!

Photo challenge - Win Big!

Post your photos of the museum on social media and tag us @LiveWYldMag and the museum @frontierauto then use #LiveWYld. We will choose the funnest and most unique photo as the winner and send you a Live WYld stainless double walled water bottle with the August sticker of the month.