Napa in Napa County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

"Barrel of Fun"

Artist: Gordon Huether, Mixed Media (2009)

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, July 22, 2020

1. "Barrel of Fun" Marker

Inscription. The large black and white image is taken from a photograph of a 1962 Carithers Department Store window that was designed and created by the artist's German immigrant father, Hubert Huether. The department store building was acquired and demolished along with many others in the 1970s and was replaced with a parking garage located two blocks from here.

Ironically, Barrel of Fun is now displayed on a parking garage with its sister composition, Retro Woman. Now they are both at home in a shopping area that is close to their former locale.

The hubcaps for the collage were donated by the Damonte family, owners of Hubcap Ranch in Pope Valley. Hubcap Ranch was started by Italian immigrant Litto Damonte in the mid-1930s and continues today with the help of his grandson, Mike, and great grandson, Litto, Jr. Hubcap Ranch is an official California historical landmark.

Artist Gordon Huether donated this assemblage for the enjoyment of his community, with support from Craig Meyer of Precision Glass Systems, Inc.

Erected 2009 by City of Napa, County of Napa.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Arts, Letters, Music. A significant historical year for this entry is 1962.

Location. 38° 17.756′ N, 122° 17.079′ W. Marker

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is in Napa, California, in Napa County. It is at the intersection of Coombs Streett and Fifth Street, on the left when traveling south on Coombs Streett. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Napa CA 94559, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s San Francisco Bay Area,

in Wine Country,

and on the Coast Ranges.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Napa Valley Railroad (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); "Retro Woman" (about 400 feet away); A. Hatt Buildings 1884 & 1886 (about 400 feet away); Hatt Building 1886 (about 500 feet away); Banner Warehouse 1862 (about 500 feet away); Silo Building 1932 (about 500 feet away); Hay Barn 1959 (about 500 feet away); Embarcadero de Napa (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Napa.

More about this marker. The marker is located at the backside of the Fifth Street garage.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. Litto's Hubcap Ranch

Also see . . . Fifth Street garage to unveil new Huether work (Napa Valley Register, June 2, 2009). (Submitted on July 24, 2020.)

"Barrel of Fun" Marker - wide view image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, July 22, 2020

2. "Barrel of Fun" Marker - wide view

The marker is visible here, about even with the back of the car; the Barrel of Fun is visible mounted to the parking garage.

"Barrel of Fun", as seen through the trees image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, July 22, 2020

3. "Barrel of Fun", as seen through the trees

"Barrel of Fun" - up close image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, July 22, 2020

4. "Barrel of Fun" - up close

Credits. This page was last revised on July 24, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 24, 2020, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 447 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 24, 2020, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.