BY SARAH STEPHENS
PHOTOS BY CARLA WILSON AND SARAH STEPHENS
ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS
Gene Jones Antique Tractors Native American Artifacts Museums Open House
March 19, 2022 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (CDT)
3121 Park Ct., Millbrook, AL, 36054,
Gene Jones, of Millbrook, is offering our area a rare delight, with FREE admission to an Open House to view his amazing collection of tractors, Native American items, and too many antiques to mention them all.
Located at 3121 Park Circle in Millbrook, Jones has a museum with three buildings full that house his collection. Throughout his property there are pieces of equipment lovingly restored and on display as well.
On March 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the public is welcome to come and view pieces of history at no charge.
Recently, the EAN found Jones sitting on the porch of one of those buildings at “The Outback.” No, not in Australia.
“My wife asked me one time, ‘If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you like to travel?’ I told her Outback. But that is just my property here in Millbrook with my tractors and my museum,” Jones said smiling. A friend constructed “The Outback” sign which hangs on the outside of the original building.
It is, indeed, his happy place where he houses his amazing collection of restored antique tractors, and so much more.
Jones has done much of the restoration himself, including manufacturing parts, welding and painting. Out of his enormous collection of vintage tractors, all are in running order, other than two on the property. “But I will be working on those,” he said with a grin.
Jones, 79, grew up in a farming family. He helped his family farm over 4,000 acres in Elmore County. By the age of 7 he was working the farm every day. He graduated from Holtville High School in 1961, and his letterman jacket is among his treasures in the museum.
“I lettered in the eighth grade for Holtville in football. I was a lot bigger back then,” he said, again with that famous grin.
He wants to share his collection with the community, and for years had dozens of his tractors in annual parades around our area.
“You know the thing I love? When an older man or woman is looking at one of the tractors, or some other piece, and says ‘Oh, we had one of those,’ or ‘That brings back so many memories!’” Jones said. That usually leads to discussions and memories, and Jones loves every bit of it. “I love to talk,” he said.
Jones admits that growing up in a farming family was no easy task. It was work hard, and then harder work, with early mornings and late nights. Money was tight in those days, but everyone in the family learned to work hard and appreciate what they had. That included homecooked dinners and a lot of love. Some of the dishes, pots and pans used by his grandparents and family are also part of the items on display.
There are old stoves, tools, radios, artwork, and an enormous collection of Native American artifacts and artwork. Pointing to walls lines with framed arrowhead collections, Jones said, “About 20 percent of my collection I found myself. The rest came from a lot of different people over the years.”
Jones has been a collector of many things for many years, and throughout that time has welcomed his friends to come and visit.
“A lot of times people say they want to come, and then later they say, ‘Sorry I didn’t make it but I will one day.’ Well, here is your opportunity. I hope we have a really good crowd.”
Jones is the owner of Gene Jones insurance of Millbrook, and was the first recognized Mayor of Millbrook. When the town officially filed to incorporate and form a local government, Jones was named the Mayor. However, the City had to refile paperwork, and Jones did not run. Reginald Minter was named the mayor under the new incorporation. Jones’ grandson, Justin Jones, serves on the Millbrook County today.
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