Automotive technology began with the horse-drawn carriage. Horse power was the only way folks got around on Mount Desert Island, ME until cars were allowed in 1916. Statewide opposition in the first decade of the 20th Century was billed as “auto wars” in the newspapers. The evolution from noisy, rough-riding powered carriages to the digitally controlled daily drivers of 2026 has an early chapter referred to as the “Brass Era” (1895 to 1915).
Ironically, many of the autos on display at Seal Cove weren’t allowed onto the island when they were built. The Seal Cove Auto Museum specializes in Brass Era cars, which were adorned with brass lanterns and other hardware.
Musical Cars
One brass fitting that you wouldn’t expect to see today was a musical instrument that used exhaust air pressure to play a series of whistled notes. I wouldn’t be surprised if someone writing about automotive design back in the day would have used the phrase “Brass Wars”. It is everywhere on some of the beautiful luxury models on display – and ridiculously so in some cases.
Beyond the scale and quality of their collection, what is most compelling about Seal Cove is their engagement with visitors. We were treated to a live demonstration of a 1908 REO Wagon, which made me appreciate push-button ignition and precise combustion timing. Remember the arena rock group REO Speedwagon? They had an image of an REO Wagon on their debut 1971 album cover, and our docent at the museum said he knew the owner of the REO that was used for the album cover art.
But that’s music. I digress. We’re here to talk cars.
Stories Abound
Every car at the museum has at least one story, and the docents are ready to tell most of them. I was visiting with two other car enthusiast/professionals, and their follow-up questions were answered with detail, care, and often a follow-up story! With so many exhibits dating back more than a century, I guess it is no surprise that there are so many historical accounts to be shared.
Even if you don’t know a lot about cars, there are stories waiting for you at Seal Cove. There are pedal cars and other child toys from the era on display, decorative brass adornments like gauges and horns, poster advertisements, and every car has an accompanying placard that will allow you to learn more about each of them.
There’s a notable collection of early motorcycles that neither of my sidekicks spent much time with, but those guys from American Pickers would be right at home marveling at some of their machines! There’s just not as much room for brass on 2 wheels.
Preservation vs. Restoration
Of late, the Museum has committed to preservation of the automotive past, as opposed to restoration. Old cars can look really cool when their paint and interior finishes are restored to look like new, but something is lost when ripping out the original and replacing it with modern finishes, including new tires. Everyone has their preferences, of course, but the museum is committed to preserving what they have as much as possible. You’ll see a great example in the REO Wagon images. The vehicle is pretty rough, but it still runs!
So don’t come looking for muscle cars or Formula One racers, either. Seal Cove has a niche in the Brass Era, and they represent their speciality with expertise and enthusiasm.
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