Antique Auto Museum and Interpretive Center - Benton (West City), IL

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Benton (West City), IL is the home to the city Chamber of Commerce. The building, built in 1910 as a Ford Garage it has been restored to its original condition.

Vintage cars and the belt driven machinery that was used in their repair are on display at the museum. It features an electonic interpretive tour and depicts items and events with historic connections to the Jail Museum which is also in Benton (West City.)

The building contains about 90 % of its original equipment.

Museum Discription: Exhibits currently include:

5 Ford Model T automobiles, including a car that belonged to Southern Illinois gangster Charlie Birger.

Among other Birger memorabilia are the handcuffs Birger was wearing when he was hanged April 19, 1928 and a bullet-proof vest that Birger often wore.

Location: 211 North Main Street, Benton (West City), IL

Hours of operation: Hours: Mon - Fri: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Open on Sat from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. from May to October.

Phone: 438-2121

Admission: No Charge, donations accepted