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

Bart Bartoni - The Godfather of 10th St

Photographed by Joseph Alvarado

1. Bart Bartoni - The Godfather of 10th St Marker

Inscription. Bart Bartoni moved to Modesto from Escalon in 1941 and grew up with wealthy neighbors that entertained, their guests arriving in fancy cars as V16 Cadillac Phaetons, Deusenbergs, Cords and Auburn Speedsters. He fell in love with cars. Bart was very creative and sketched concept cars in the 40s and 50s. He cruised 10th Street regularly from 1947 through the 60s. Bart and fellow Legend of the Cruise Pete Hischier were early friends of custom car creator Gene Winfield and became part of his team for years. Working in the fashion business, he was always stylish and he would even meet and date Miss San Francisco. He later opened Bartoni Jewelers on 10th St. in 1961 when cruising 10th was at its peak. 10th was also the home to theaters and nightclubs like the Purple Turnip and was an exciting place. Many Modestans remember the Bartoni radio jingle, “go see Bart, the jeweler with a heart”. He also opened Godfathers restaurant and bar next to Bartoni Jewelers that was regular hangout. Bart’s love of cars continued and was finishing up a 1938 Alfa Romeo and a 1940 Cadillac La Salle Club Coupe Custom at the time of his passing in 2019. Bart was inducted into the Walk of Fame in 2014. His larger than life presence on 10th St and Bartoni Lane will never be forgotten.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1941.

Location. 37° 38.398′ N, 120° 59.991′ W. Marker is in Modesto, California, in Stanislaus County. It is on 10th Street south of J Street, on the right when traveling south. The metal marker is mounted on the wall to the left of the front door. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 931 10th Street, Modesto CA 95354, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker

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is in the San Joaquin Valley

and specifically in the Central Valley.

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: The Car Customizers (here, next to this marker); Nightclubs and Dancehalls of the 50s and 60s (within shouting distance of this marker); Evolution of the Cruise Route (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Modesto Music Scene (about 300 feet away); American Graffiti (about 400 feet away); Drag Racing (about 400 feet away); George Lucas (about 500 feet away); History of Modesto (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Modesto.

Also see . . . Modesto jeweler, car builder Bart Bartoni dies. Modesto Bee

"Mr. Bartoni, who died Sept. 7 at 89, was a prominent part of the cruising culture celebrated in “American Graffiti” by Modesto-born filmmaker George Lucas. He owned Bartoni Jewelers at 919 Bartoni Lane, an alley along Tenth Street, from 1961 to 1993."

Photographed by Joseph Alvarado, May 5, 2023

2. Bart Bartoni - The Godfather of 10th St Marker

(Submitted on June 19, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California.)

Photographed by Joseph Alvarado, May 5, 2023

3. Bart Bartoni - The Godfather of 10th St Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 19, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 19, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. This page has been viewed 568 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 19, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California.