Tom Cozad parting with some of his warehouse treasures, classic vehicles

For years, the collection of Tom Cozad has been on display on 7th Street in Gering, growing to become a block-long iconic attraction for many.

Now, you can own a piece of Tom’s collection, at least some of his hidden, reserve treasures, in an online auction Wednesday night through the Kraupie’s Real Estate and Auctioneer’s website.

In the catalog you’ll find parts and pieces for classic vehicles, mostly old Fords, but there are a number of unique pieces, including a working Wurlitzer jukebox, numerous Coca-Cola items including operational coolers, a 1923 bell from a UP Steam locomotive and several older vehicles in various states of restoration.

Cozad says much of the collection now for sale just grew over the years, heavily influenced by his youth and his father.

“I’ve always loved working on old stuff. My dad was a very handy person, and he taught me a lot. We grew up pretty poor, and so it was repair what you had. And so I learned to do a lot of that stuff, and and I’m pretty much self-taught on everything. I just dig in and work on it,” said Cozad. “A guy told me a long time ago, he says somebody built it to start with so somebody can fix it.”

Other treasures up for grabs in the auction include two old Cushman warehouse vehicles, a variety of signs including some neon, a rare double-branded can of oil, and an antique food warmer similar to what would have been used on a chuckwagon.

Cozad told KNEB News the time has come to downsize, just a bit. “I’ve been collecting for many, many years. And, I’m down to a point now where I’ve just got way too much stuff. I’m getting older. It’s time to kind of start thinning things out and passing some of this on to somebody that can really use it.”

Bidding is open now, with the close of auction items beginning Wednesday evening shortly after 6 p.m.