Years ago when I first started traveling in my 1972 Volkswagen Westfalia, I was desperate for parts to put my old horse back together.  I searched the internet, checked the yellow pages and asked around until my friend Cliff, an old timer in the classic car world, told me about Barnum’s Bug Barn in Millington Michigan.  Cliff warned me going in about Herman and his Bug barn. He told me that if I went there to take tons of cash. He said, “Herman’s not expensive, he just has everything you will want for your bus, and even stuff you don’t need at such a good price you will want to buy it all.” Cliff was right.
     I called Herman up that first time and he knew exactly what I was looking for when I described that "tiny porcelain resister thing on the fire wall’ and yes he had one. I remember when I picked it up I wasn’t sure if I was working on the project or Herman was. His excitement of knowing an old Volksy being restored was as big as mine. We haggled slightly over price and I told him his competitor wanted two hundred and fifty dollars for the part and he told me his price was fifteen dollars, but If I felt better paying two hundred and fifty dollars he would see what he could do. Needless to say there have been many trips back and when I run into people looking for hard to find parts, I always suggest where ever they are in the state; they start at Herman’s.
     My suggestion to a neighboring camper to head to Herman’s is how this story started. I was at the Cow Pie Blues Festival earlier this summer and met Stan and Beth, who have just started out camping in their Westy called “Orange Peel.” After we talked for a while about our busses Beth asked if I knew where they could get odds and ends for their bus. The places they had been looking where so expensive. I immediately said to head to Herman’s.
      A few weeks later I received an email from Beth saying her and Stan had went to Herman’s and where successful.  She added that Barnum’s bug Barn was sponsoring a Volkswagen Rally and hoped I would attend. Beth didn’t need to ask twice.  I called Herman up confirmed the date and was on my way.      
     When I arrived it was just as I had hoped. The rally was not too big but not to small with about 60 entries. There was a nice variety of years, makes and models to check out and ask about. What I love about people that have Volkswagens, is that they're always inviting and engaging. As the owners who entered their vehicles sat around enjoying the beautiful September day, they talked with the passers-by about what they had done to their Volkswagen and shared stories of what could be done to them. One connection was resounded with everyone I spoke with; Barnum’s was the place to “get what you need.”
     I returned back to the tent area where I was able to locate Herman again and talk with him a couple minutes about his business. It was in 1989 that Herman started the Bug Barn to supply us “Volky Heads” with good used parts. As a Volkswagen lover himself, Herman and his Wife Stephanie have collected their own special V.W.’s and enjoy these creatures as much as their customers. Stephanie, a Volkswagen enthusiast extraordinaire, is also the proud owner of a VW Thing that she built from the ground up.
     Barnum’s Bug Barn is now open Monday thru Thursday and on Saturdays. You can contact them by phone, or email at http://barnumsbugbarn.com/, or my favorite, just by dropping by. You can also shoot Herman an email at Junkmanherman@yahoo.com he is always looking for another old Volkswagen. I assure you that I have sold some of my Volkswagen parts and vehicles to Herman and he is as fair buying as he is selling.
     It was gettin on about two o’clock in the afternoon and the judging was about to begin. When the winners were reveled Brian O’Neil (#11) had taken best motor, (#28) Chris and Dawn Hockoday was second with interior, and best of show….. (# 37) Barb and John Glasson. Congratulation folks. You make VW’s look great.
     Plans have already been made for next year’s event. There will be Car show, prizes, a cruise, and a 1982 Volkswagen named Mary Jane. That is right will be back for this one.
 

From behind the wheel,

Josh