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Ralph has built up his collection by trading during the past 60 years.
"If someone comes here with something I don't have, and wants to trade for something I have more than one of, I trade with them," he said.
Antique shows and auctions are good places to acquire pieces, Ralph said. He does not recommend farm sales.
Some items in his collection were originally used by members of his family. One such item is an "oil thief," a device used to measure water in the bottom of oil tanks. It was given to him by his father, who once worked for Valvoline.
Ralph said he has received his share of offers for some of his antiques.
"I've had a lot of people come by to buy things," he said. "For those old Coke signs I have, people will spend big money for them."
A gasoline pump sitting in his barn is a remnant of the days when gasoline sold for 30 cents a gallon, while a tax receipt dating to 1917 shows taxes of $11.62 on 161 acres of land.
His collection includes some rare pieces, Ralph said. He has a Sears and Roebuck motorcycle, a Victrola with a tag that reads "1904," and a gasoline motor once used to power amusement park rides.
While his friend tries to talk him into hauling it all to Harrisville to be put into a museum, Ralph continues to work on his collection. Although it is extensive, it will never be complete, he said.