Couple's M&M collection becomes Illinois Route 66 museum

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 21 Oct, 14:02 · Archive

Steve and Patricia Beale's collection of more than 5,000 M&M items is now displayed in a museum in Waggoner, Illinois.

Steve and Patricia Beale's M&M collection began with California Raisins, but when Steve could no longer find them, he switched to M&Ms. The collection grew so large that it filled a bedroom in their house, making the door impossible to open. The couple decided to build a dedicated space: a 20-by-30-foot shed now displaying more than 5,000 M&M items from wall to wall and floor to ceiling.

The museum is free to visit, and the Beales give each visitor a fun-size bag of M&Ms. None of the items in the collection are for sale. Steve Beale explained his philosophy: 'Once you start selling, then you're not a collector, you're in it for the money.' He said he likes to share what he has and what he knows.

The museum has attracted visitors from around the world and has become a recognisable stop on historic Route 66. Steve's favourite M&M variety is peanut, whilst Patricia prefers peanut butter.

How it is being reported

• He built an M&M museum and keeps adding to the collectionA bag of candy led to a detour on a Route 66 road trip to Beals M&M Museum in Waggoner, Illinois.WAFB · 21 Oct, 13:17
• He built an M&M museum and keeps adding to the collectionA bag of candy led to a detour on a Route 66 road trip to Beals M&M Museum in Waggoner, Illinois.KNOE · 21 Oct, 13:17

In this story: Steve Beale · Patricia Beale · Waggoner · Illinois · Route 66

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