Gilmore Car Museum

I'm always on the look-out for creative uses for custom caps, and the Gilmore Car Museum came up with a truly unique idea.

Not fated for bottling.

The Gilmore Car Museum crew recently hosted their first annual "A Pint with the Past" fundraiser. 

Fresh beer and historic cars. (Credit to John A. Lacko, Kalamazoo Gazette)

Over 150 people flocked to the event to enjoy good beer and a taste of history in the newly completed Gilmore Heritage Center, designed in the style of a turn-of-the-century brick factory.

Of course, they couldn't give out unlimited pints, so they needed some form of drink token. What could speak more to the purpose and the theme than logo bottle caps?

The result was a huge success. Some guests even hoarded their allotted tokens as souvenirs instead of making the exchange for beer. Remaining bottle caps were shipped off to the gift shop to be sold as souvenir magnets. The caps also served as great centerpieces in photos promoting the event.

Cover page of the Battle Creek Enquirer's Weekend Entertainment

Publicity shot

If you're ever cruising around Michigan, check out the Gilmore Car Museum. You'll see over 200 historic vehicles, an 1899 locomobile, a recreated 1930s Shell gasoline station, a 1940s diner, and now bottle cap magnets in the gift shop!