As you wander through the streets of an industrial park in suburban Indianapolis the last thing you would expect to find is one of the largest fan collections in the world.
So what you think – well look and be amazed at how stylish and functional these antiques are.
Housed in the headquarters of a fan company called Fanimation, the museum has over 2000 desk and ceiling fan from more than 140 manufacturers (according to their website)
Most are from the first few decades of the 20th century, and show that classic 20s and 30s style.
When we arrived we asked if we could see the collection. The receptionist told us we were more than welcome to check them out, and lead us to the display room. She also indicated she would get Kim to tell us about them.
Kim is a retired Indianapolis firefighter who has been collecting fans for a long time. He is an excellent restorer of fans, having refurbished many of those in the collection.
The fan below however is in it’s original condition, after more than 80 years.
The fans are owned by various members of the Antique Fan Collectors Association (of which Kim is a member with many of the fans in the collection being his personal ones).
The oldest electric fans in the museum are from the 1890s, while they have non electric ones (steam and water powered ones) from the 1880s.
The Dayton fan company, represented below, is still in business today.
They have numerous fans of different shapes.
Fanimation was founded by Tom Frampton in Pasadena, California in the 1980s. They relocated to Indiana in the mid 1990s, opening this facility in 2003.
Most have extensive use of brass, which adds a classic beauty to practical use of the fan.
Numerous specialty designs are represented, such as this airplane fan – a cool way to stay cool.
More of the collection.
One of the non electric fans
As a fan manufacturer their lobby fans are stylish as well.
Even the replica terracotta soldier in the lobby has a fan! If you ever find yourself in Indianapolis, skip the art museum (although it is nice too) – check out the fan museum – ask for Kim!
RDZ Photography 