Photos and Story By Ken HulseyKramer Junction, a small desert outpost along Highway 395 in California, holds some surprising treasures for those who take the time to stop and explore. Kramer Antiques is a one-of-a-kind shop packed to the rafters with vintage finds, collectibles, and memorabilia from bygone eras. Outside, an array of classic cars and trucks immediately catches the eye, hinting at the wonders waiting inside. But that's just the beginning - next door is a sprawling museum operated by Darr Military Rentals that will make any history or vehicle enthusiast's heart race. Step inside and prepare to be overwhelmed in the best way possible by the astounding collection crammed into every available inch. Vintage military vehicles are parked alongside muscle cars and antique autos polished to a shine. The walls are blanketed by the most extensive collection of metal signs and petroliana on the planet. Display cases brim with delicate ephemera and the shelves are laden with antique tools, equipment and memorabilia representing decades of American ingenuity and craftsmanship. You could easily spend hours or even days wandering through this eccentric desert museum discovering something fascinating around every corner. Kramer Antiques and the Darr Military Rentals museum are true California gems preserving the legacy of the American West and our cultural heritage in a most unexpected and delightful setting.
Kramer Junction, California may be a tiny dot on the map, but this unincorporated community located at the crossroads of U.S. Route 395 and State Route 58 in the heart of the Mojave Desert has a surprisingly rich history. Originally just a remote railroad siding established in 1898 where the Randsburg line met the Santa Fe railroad, it was named after Moritz Kramer, a German settler who arrived in the area in 1879. While the site of the original junction is actually 2 miles east of the current Kramer Junction, the name stuck. In the 1920s, the nearby Kramer Hills were the site of a short-lived gold mining boom after the Herkelrath brothers discovered some precious metal deposits. A small mining camp popped up, complete with a school and even a county library branch. But the low-grade ore and lack of water spelled a quick end to the town by 1931. Today, Kramer Junction remains a sleepy desert outpost, often referred to as "Four Corners" after the intersection of the two major highways. But for those interested in California history, this little spot has some fascinating stories to tell.
So next time you're road-tripping through California's arid interior, be sure to take a break, stretch your legs, and lose yourself in the wondrous, old-timey world of Kramer Antiques - it's an experience you won't soon forget!
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