Unique museums are a thing of mine. I seek them out. I first heard about this gallery several years ago, while living out of state. Since we recently relocated to Iowa, I thought it would be a great opportunity to visit.
The Salt & Pepper Shaker Gallery didn't disappoint. Where else can you see 12,000 pairs of shakers on display this side of the Mississippi? Holy moly. Hands down, awesome.
When we arrived there were a couple of sweet ladies sitting around a table behind the main counter. We were quickly greeted by Ellen who also led us on a wonderful tour of the gallery.
Shakers included everything from plastic to bone china. Mrs. Rasmussen, the original owner of the collection, collected it all - beginning in the 1950s.
Bobbers, nodders, huggers, kissers, and hangers--I never knew so many different kind of S & P's existed. Everything is categorized by circus/clowns, dogs, cats, squirrels, owls, frogs, skunks, Christmas, advertising, political, Disney, Looney Tunes, Fiesta, silver, Noah's Ark, Around the World, Iowa, food, etc.
I really liked the particular line of Parkraft shakers from all 50 states (yes, they have the entire collection). Shakers from other countries, and the shakers collected from the Iowa State Fair over the years were also at the top of my list.
We could have spent a lot more time at the gallery looking at each individual case, but Ellen does a great job of giving a general overview of what's in each display. They even have a small risqué collection that the keep behind a cabinet so that children can't see them. :-P
Shakers are housed very nicely behind glass cases. Nothing is overcrowded and the lighting in the gallery is ample for viewing all of the pieces.
Gallery is located just off the main street in Traer. Hours are 1-5pm Tuesday-Saturday. Large groups should call ahead of time. It a nice sized gallery so expect to spend at least 1 hour here (for the guided tour alone). Plenty of free parking. The building the gallery houses is lovingly maintained.
Ellen is wonderful. You can't beat the $5 price of admission. If possible, consider gifting even more. The gallery depends on the admissions from visitor's to pay their utility bills.
Highly recommend the Salt and Pepper Shaker Gallery in Traer!
***note: if you like seeing 'collections' like this, The American Toby Jug Museum in Evanston, Illinois is a must-see as well. *** read more