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J.A. Cooley Automotive Museum
2008 Business of the Year
Jim and Carmen Cooley, owners of the J.A. Cooley Automotive Museum and Frank the Train Man, were awarded the 2008 Business of the Year by the El Cajon Boulevard Business Improvement Association. Jim has spent a lifetime preserving the remarkable history of the early nineteen hundreds. On display in the museum are over two dozen automobiles from 1886 through 1933. Also included are over 25 categories of antiques represented by collections such as model trains, whiskey flasks, spittoons, cuckoo clocks, license plates, beaded purses, phonographs, typewriters and cameras.
Jim's parents arrived in San Diego in 1873. He grew up during a time when automotive travel was more of an adventure than a convenience. Jim remembers the growth of El Cajon Boulevard from the 1930s gravel road funded by the WPA during the depression to a concrete 'truck trail' for small farmers.
Jim's collection of cars and other gadgets reveal a lifetime of friends and remarkable stories. For example, two of the showcase Franklin automobiles belonged to his dear friend Emma Schnugg, a well-known historic character of the Boulevard. Jim's collector ice box, which was replaced by the invention of the refrigerator, explains why a company such as Union Ice existed on El Cajon Boulevard up until the 1970's. And why do you think most people confuse Jim for the well-renown, Frank the Train Man? By 1980, Frank was ready to sell the toy train shop. He had been in business for nearly 40 years and his health was deteriorating. Jim was Frank's best friend and one day, after eating lunch, the two men walked into Allison-McCloskey Escrow and to Jim's surprise, Frank the Train Man was for sale. Jim was Frank's designated buyer.
More recently, Jim Cooley has become the historic voice of El Cajon Boulevard. Each month he shares a different piece of The Boulevard's history, which have been translated into written articles and video. Historic gas stations, drive-in restaurants, neon signs, underground tunnels and the thriving furniture district are a few examples of the Boulevard's historic splendor which will not be forgotten thanks to Jim Cooley.
