July 20, 2011
Museum seeks input for hot rod exhibit
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Calling all hot rod and street rod owners and enthusiasts: The University Museum at Southern Illinois University Carbondale wants to hear about your machines, or your memories of when you drove American muscle, or photos to back up those stories.
Nate Steinbrink, curator of exhibits, seeks additional materials for “Goin’ Fast and Lookin’ Good: Hot Rods in Southern Illinois,” an exhibit scheduled to run Aug. 23-Nov. 10. Other exhibit-related activities include an exhibit reception on Sept. 9 and a cruise set for Oct. 22.
“Some things just get better with age -- especially hot rods,” Steinbrink said. “‘Goin’ Fast and Lookin’ Good’ takes a look at some of the creations and the people who shaped hot rodding, specifically in the Southern Illinois area. This exhibition will not be encyclopedic, but will be a sweet slice of hot roddin’ culture.. This exhibition will honor these American originals and celebrate their spirit of innovation.”
Steinbrink defines the golden age of hot rods as the era from about 1940 to about 1970. He wants: pictures of hot rods and racers in Southern Illinois and stories about hot rodding and racing. Steinbeck also plans to identify significant Southern Illinois sites that pertain to the hot rod experience -- drive-ins, garages, hang-out spots and so on.
Steinbrink is working now to create the exhibit, assisted by Jon Semanski, a graduate student from Carterville, and Eric Jones, an SIUC alumnus from Du Quoin.
If you can help, contact Nate Steinbrink at 618/453-7413 or email at nstein@siu.edu. The exhibition team is collecting items through Aug. 23. They can scan photos on the spot and return them to you immediately. They also seek loans for the exhibit.