Manton Veterans Museum displays new artifact

Photo courtesy of Neil Perry This Ford jeep possibly from the Korean War is now on display outside the Manton Veterans Museum near Manton Rotary Park. The museum houses a number of interesting artifacts including a trunk carried by a soldier under Gen. George Washington, a Civil War doctorÕs medical accessories and bag, and rifles from the Civil War, among others.

MANTON — Next time you drive by Manton’s Veterans Museum, step on your brakes and see their latest artifact.

A Ford jeep from possibly the Korean War is now on display outside the Manton Veterans Museum near Manton Rotary Park off U.S. 131.

Neil Perry, a member of the Manton Veterans Museum, believes the jeep is from the Korean War, “because World War II jeeps are very few and far between and worn out.”

“I think this one is a Korean vintage because of the jeep’s age, year and manufacturer. And it’s a very, very fine jeep,” added Perry, who believes the jeep was made around 1955-1957.

Artifacts such as the jeep are government property and are issued to various certified museums that request artifacts. The museum is charged with the responsibility of taking care of the vintage items and must annually send photographs to government officials to show proof that the artifacts are in good condition.

Because getting hold of artifacts can be a long process — it took about two and a half years to get the vehicle — having the jeep in Manton is “exciting.”

“It took a lot of doing to get it (the jeep),” said John Robbins, a member of Manton Veterans Museum. “I think people will enjoy seeing it and touching.”

The museum is full of interesting artifacts including a trunk carried by soldier under Gen. George Washington, a Civil War doctor’s medical accessories and bag, rifles from the Civil War, the model of rifle carried by Teddy Roosevelt, uniforms from WWII, and gas masks from the Korean War donated by one of the members in community who was in the Marines, among others.

The museum is continually working on getting more artifacts for display, and members of the museum are currently working on receiving more firearms.

Since the museum first opened in October 2004, it has collected so many artifacts that today the 30 by 40 foot museum “is full.” So, the museum is currently adding 30 feet to the building, and it will be under construction until the museum closes for the winter months.

“Construction started last month and we’re hoping to have (the walls) all closed, carpet down, wiring done, and insulation in before we get hit with the first snowball,” Perry said.

The museum is open to the public Friday and Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. Doors will close for the winter months and will reopen in the spring. If groups are interested in making a special appointment to tour the museum on an off-day, or to donate money or artifacts, call John Robbins at 824-6582 or Neil Perry at 824-6571. The museum also accepts loaned artifacts. Manton Veterans Museum is a part of Manton Historical Museum.

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Jeep on display