Many of us receive emails about classic cars or 60’s music, but it isn’t often that we get to see everything about the culture of our youth and then some in one place. Mel Bernstein, aka Dragonman, grew up in New York, wanting to be a tough guy. Through the years, he managed to achieve his wish, through his motorcycle shop, a stint in the Army and some time in a motorcycle gang. Through it all, he wanted to move West, own some land, and be “somebody.” You can read about Mel’s life here.
Today, I viewed a video about Bernstein, who has amassed an incredible amount of memorabilia and at least regional fame. This video is a tour, conducted by Dragonman, himself, through part of his oldies museum of guns, hot rods, and collectibles of 60’s memorabilia. You can watch the video here:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v= U9XFqL-3KfU
(Photo from Dragonman’s Facebook page)
Weapons, Tanks, and More from WWI to Vietnam
The museum itself is huge, the size of a Walmart store at 70,000 S.F. Dragonman, who attained the moniker because of the Dragon motorcycles he built in his early years, has a Class III Federal firearms license that allows him to sell and possess high-powered rifles. His military museum is filled with all kinds of memorabilia from WWI, WWII and the Vietnam War. There is even a room full of Nazi memorabilia.
After watching the video, my first thought was that I could not imagine a woman living completely surrounded by the memories of Mel’s youth. But I learned that the last Mrs. Bernstein who died in a freak explosion a few years ago, was quite a devoted lady. You can read about it here.
Dragon Mans is located near Colorado Springs and is open for tours on Sundays, with reservations. Call 719-683-2200 for information.
When I saw the collections this man has amassed, my first thought was, where does anyone get the money for any collection covering 70,000 square feet? Then, I became so absorbed in it, nothing else mattered but seeing the next piece, the next area, the next amazing memorabilia he had pulled into his life. The cars were out of this world fabulous! Would love to drive a wee little racer with 600 HP under the hood (or would be, except it had no hood! Just a blower.) He has put every piece in tip top brand new condition. However, although seeing it could go on my bucket list; living with it, especially if dusting was in my future, would be a nightmare. LOL