Closer to the heart: Headingley museum showing history of petroleum industry

A museum in Headingley opened its doors to show off its collection of vintage cars, signs and gas station memorabilia.

A museum in Headingley opened its doors to the community on Saturday, showing its collection of vintage vehicles and memorabilia of the petroleum industry.

Jim’s Vintage Garages, a museum in Headingley Heritage Centre, hosted its annual holiday open house, showing collection of signs, license plates, antique vehicles and more.

The museum marked its 20th anniversary this year, said Rob Nowosad, chairperson of the museum.

“There was a local couple – Jim and Vivienne Pearn – that had a massive collection in their home, big, huge garage,” Nowosad explained the history. “They approached the Rural Municipality of Headingley and said: ‘hey, we would like to donate what we have to the RM.’

“So then in 2005, there was a fundraising done. We opened the museum and we’ve been adding to it ever since.”

He said some of the additions were from people who operated the gas stations within the community.

“It’s very close to our hearts to know that not only was this through Canada, a lot of it Manitoba, Winnipeg – but also in our communities around the province.”

The uniqueness of the museum derives from the completeness of memorabilia from history. Displays include replica store fronts of vintage service stations such as White Rose, North Star and Prairie City Oil, gasoline pumps and station uniforms.

Nowosad said the conversations people have about the memorabilia adds beauty to the collection.

“A lot of our older generations from the community that actually lived these storefront items and the different gas stations – there’s a lot of relative stories from back in the day when they were younger,” he said. “It’s really nice when you see something and have a story behind it.”

The museum is open to public in summer. During winter, it is open for private tours by appointments only. More information is available online.