Archeological
Commerce and Industry
Communications
Farming
Home and Hearth
Local Artifacts
School Room
Transportation
Communications
The communications area of the museum houses a large collection of early cameras, recording devices, phonographs, televisions, telephones and early electronics. This large private collection is on loan to the museum and includes numerous rare examples of the recording and television industry technology dating from it’s inception up to modern times. There are fine examples of simple cameras, both still and movie, as well as telephones from many eras. The continuum of this collection provides the museum visitor with a real sense of how far we have come and how fast.
Acme Electronics diagnostic and repair tools
These are diagnostic and repair tools from Acme Electronics, a television and radio repair shop operated by Howard and Donna Gutekunst for over 30 years in Jacksonville, Illinois. Mr. Gutekunst was a graduate of Jacksonville High School and Illinois College. Howard joined the U.S. Air Force and served in Morocco during the Korean Conflict working on radio electronics. Many of these diagnostic tools were built and wired by Howard, and used for many years in his business. In memory of Howard L. Gutekunst
Philco Predicta television
The Philco Predicta televisions were introduced in 1959 with a unique swivel screen design that, although eye-catching, was unreliable and cost the company in repairs and returns. This “Siesta” was the finest model and featured a 17” screen and a clock for programing the television to turn off and on at certain times. The company applied for bankruptcy in 1960 and was bought by the Ford Motor Company in 1961. The company continued making electronics and appliances under the Philco name and is now owned by Phillips manufacturing products under the Norelco name.