NorCal Run-Hot August-American Graffiti Info
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Joined: 02-20-2006
Posts: 520
From: Sacramento, CA
NorCal Run-Hot August-American Graffiti Info
Lucas Plaza
When Modesto finally decided to honor George Lucas, controversy brewed around the fact that so many people were against city funds being used to build anything to honor anyone. Money was quietly raised, the city provided a space at Five Points (the intersections of McHenry Avenue, "J" Street, 17th Street, Downey and Needham). This particular location is probably the most ideal place, since it is the symbolic separation of the old downtown from the roadway into what was once the farmland surrounding the town - in Lucas's time, cruising was a downtown activity, only later did it become a McHenry Avenue rite.
A statue was commissioned and work started on the triangular piece of property (strangely the pie shaped space resembles a Star Destroyer from "Star Wars").
What better way to celebrate George Lucas than to represent a moment in time from "American Graffiti?" The statue represents a teenage boy and girl sitting on a 1957 Chevy, no doubt getting ready to "cruise" 10th and 11th Streets. There is an inscription on a bench in back of the statue commemorating Lucas and his achievements.
The photos above are courtesy of Kevin Shand, former Modesto Film Commissioner.
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Senior Member
Joined: 02-20-2006
Posts: 520
From: Sacramento, CA
Hot August Night for NorCalHHR's
How's meeting in Modesto, see the above info. Cruise the 10th & 11th Streets,
on Aug. Sat. Aug 12th. Meet for a later start, 1:30 PM do the sites, do dinner and as the sun set's cruise back to our homes?
How about it NorCallHHR's?
See---http://www.historicmodesto.com/lucas.html
on Aug. Sat. Aug 12th. Meet for a later start, 1:30 PM do the sites, do dinner and as the sun set's cruise back to our homes?
How about it NorCallHHR's?
See---http://www.historicmodesto.com/lucas.html
Senior Member
Joined: 09-09-2006
Posts: 930
From: Fresno, California (formerly of Modesto, Ca. -- hometown of George Lucas, formerly of Winnipeg, Mb.)
Originally Posted by booksmitty
Lucas Plaza
When Modesto finally decided to honor George Lucas, controversy brewed around the fact that so many people were against city funds being used to build anything to honor anyone. Money was quietly raised, the city provided a space at Five Points (the intersections of McHenry Avenue, "J" Street, 17th Street, Downey and Needham). This particular location is probably the most ideal place, since it is the symbolic separation of the old downtown from the roadway into what was once the farmland surrounding the town - in Lucas's time, cruising was a downtown activity, only later did it become a McHenry Avenue rite.
A statue was commissioned and work started on the triangular piece of property (strangely the pie shaped space resembles a Star Destroyer from "Star Wars").
What better way to celebrate George Lucas than to represent a moment in time from "American Graffiti?" The statue represents a teenage boy and girl sitting on a 1957 Chevy, no doubt getting ready to "cruise" 10th and 11th Streets. There is an inscription on a bench in back of the statue commemorating Lucas and his achievements.
The photos above are courtesy of Kevin Shand, former Modesto Film Commissioner.
Did I mention we live behind Thomas Downey High School on Brighton... the same H.S. Mr. Lucas graduated from! GO KNIGHTS!
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