Decor: There are hubcaps that dangle from the ceiling, a mint green milkshake machine, and a soda fountain that’s been under wraps since 1963. The authentic Bastian & Blessing soda fountain came from the former Weber’s Pharmacy in Lyons, Ind. Executive Director Linda Merkel says the 23-foot-long fountain came complete with soda bar, grill, shelving and the original tables, booths and stools from the pharmacy.

“I believe that when our visitors come to our museum, there should be an extension to their visit,” Merkel says. “We’re all about history and going back in time. What is more appropriate than a 1950s cafe?”

Ribbon cutting: The museum celebrated its time-capsule restaurant with a ceremony for more than 200 guests, including Pa. state Sen. Pat Browne. Guests dined on meatloaf and macaroni and cheese, all of which came served in TV dinner trays. According to a news release issued by the museum, the $200,000 project was funded by a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. Merkel says it took two years to secure funding and another nine months for construction.

Express-Times Photo | BILL ADAMS. The business area of The Hubcap Cafe inside the America on Wheels museum in Allentown. The soda fountain and various pump dispensers have all been restored to original condition.

Old-fashioned fun: There are games on the cafe tables and a jukebox in the corner that’s cranking out the oldies. Drinks are served in green Coke glasses and kids can wear their own soda jerk hats.

Flavor: Currently the cafe is triple booked for private events, but when it opens to the public, they’ll be serving up hot dogs, ice-cream sundaes, milkshakes, coffee, soup and ice-cream floats. They’ll even serve pizza for kids straight out of a vending machine. The space can be booked for corporate events and root beer socials with outside catering available. Kids can play the role of soda jerks at their own birthday parties.

“Whoever thought going back in time would be so popular,” Merkel says. “I believe families should come in and have some old-fashioned fun again.”

A delicious accident: One of the menu standards will be a legendary drink as old as the soda fountain. A cherry accident was just that — a fortuitous mistake. When the soda jerk went to make a cherry soda he forgot the soda, filling the glass instead with cherry syrup, sugar and seltzer. Merkel says the drink has a sugary kick and will cost $2.

“Diner food back then was very inexpensive and we’re going to try to keep that going for families,” Merkel says, adding that prices are still being worked out.

Express-Times Photo | BILL ADAMS. No soda fountain would be complete without a Seeburg Jukebox like the one at the Hubcap Cafe inside the America on Wheels museum in Allentown.

Events: In March, Friday nights will be drive-in nights at the cafe. Black and white classics will be shown on the cafe’s big screen TV, free with the purchase of a museum admission.

Coming attractions: If you’d like to get a sneak peek at the cafe, enjoy free admission day (with the donation of a new, unwrapped toy) Saturday.

Visitors can listen to holiday tunes from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the museum.

On Wednesday, visitors can also get $1 off admission. Click here for more events at America On Wheels Museum.

Hours and prices: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Admission costs $9 for adults, $6 for seniors over 62 and students 6 to 16 years old. Kids 12 and under are free.