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March 4, 2010 | Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.sdchamber.org | contact us JA Cooley Museum As one of San Diego’s true must-see museums, the J.A. Cooley Museum features a private collection of Jim Cooley’s cars, phonographs, cameras, purses, trains and much more, all collected by Cooley and his wife Carmen. Opened in 1997, The J.A. Cooley Museum is a 501C3 non profit and the largest display on the West Coast of the Industrial Revolution, with over 10,000 square feet of space. The museum houses rare cars including a 1895 Benz Velo, only 1 of 3 in the United States, as well as a 1910 Hunt, which is the only car ever built in Southern California. The expansive phonograph and clock collection includes a pre-patent prototype from Thomas Edison. Band organs, nickelodeons, trains, cameras and original photos of the rich history of America’s finest city are all among many collections to visualize while visiting the museum. Frank the Trainman, one of the oldest toy train stores in the United States, can also be found inside the museum, offering toy trains for all generations to enjoy. Hard-to-find collectors items are also among the trains that exist in Frank the Trainman. There is always a train for everyone in the store. Jim and Carmen Cooley are proud new members of the San Diego Chamber of Commerce. Giving back to the community is one of their strengths. The Cooleys are active members of their church, and generous benefactors of Scripps Hospital and other nonprofits in San Diego. “Being able to share my knowledge of history to the public is my reward for my hard work,” said Jim Cooley. Admission to the museum is $5. The J.A. Cooley Museum and Frank the Trainman are both open Monday - Saturday 10:00am-5:00pm. Private tours and other special functions are available by calling (619) 296-3112. Visit www.jacooleymuseum.com for more information.
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