Dover, Ohio: Auman Museum of Radio and TV

One man's collection of every model of television, from its birth through the 1950s.

If you've ever watched TV, then you must visit this time capsule! The quantity, quality, and variety of the radios and TVs (mostly TVs) would make the Smithsonian envious! Although you'll marvel at the number of manufacturers (at one time at least), and the variety of TVs, with screen sizes from 1/2" to about 24", you'll soon find yourself immersed in your own memories instead. Maybe you'll see the TV that your family first bought, or recall seeing your favorite show on a particular model.

What really makes a visit special is Mr. Auman himself. Not only is his background every bit as interesting as his collection, it clear that this is a labor of love. Since you're going to attend by appointment, you'll have Mr. Auman exclusively -- relating not only details of each TV in the collection, but also how he obtained them. I spent nearly 2 hours there and only left because of another appointment. Otherwise, I could have stayed all afternoon.

This museum is located in a little store front. It is called the Auman Museum of Radio and Television. It is open to the public only by appointment. You call the phone number and get in touch with Mr. Larry Auman.

Larry was a true radio/TV buff who started out collecting old TVs and radios from friends, relatives, and neighbors. He soon found himself outgrowing the storage space at his home. He found the little store he has now and the museum began. The museum displays mechanical televisions from the '20s & '30s. Also, a 1939 RCA TV from the New York World's Fair. How about Marconi's first TV from 1938, in addition to the first color TV (1954)? Visitors can also view many games, toys and comic books relating to the very early shows of the 1940's and 50's, along with props from movies and TV shows. Some of Larry's memorabilia from early Cleveland TV includes Dick Goddard's first weather gauges and posters of the Gene Carroll show.

Larry not only collected many, many radios and TVs, but he had the ability to make most of these workable. In many cases he had to cannibalize several models to come up with one workable one. In addition to having radios and over 300 TVs (his television sets span from 1930 - "The Mechanical Era," to 1950 - "The Golden Age"), he also features hundreds of games, toys, comic books, and other related items pertaining to television memorabilia!

The museum was definitely a "walk back in time." We spent almost two hours with Larry and looking at the various items. It is always fascinating to meet someone who allows the world to share his passion for his collections.