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GAS CITY, Ind., Dec 13, 2005 (UPI via COMTEX) -- A museum honoring actor James Dean near his hometown of Fairmont, Ind., is shutting its doors after 16 years.
James Dean Gallery owner David Loehr claims to have the world's largest collection of Dean memorabilia in the art deco building just off Interstate 69 in Gas City, Ind.
Among the items on display are Dean's violin, which he played as young boy, paintings he produced, school papers, film wardrobe, books and original movie posters.
Although the museum is the No. 1 tourist attraction in Grant County, Ind., Loehr says on his Web site not enough money is coming through the door to cover the cost of the museum's bills.
"People come from all over the world to see the exhibit, the hometown and Dean's gravesite and it is a shame for the county and the state to loose this local cultural attraction," Loehr said.
Lack of financial support from both state and local governments means he will be closing the museum Dec. 31 for good, he posted.
URL: www.upi.com Copyright 2005 by United Press International
