”I drove cars, chased girls… I think a lot of people did, which is the whole idea behind the title – a very American experience.”
"It all happened to me, but I glamorized it, "George said. "I spent four years cruising the main streets . . . — — Map (db m227053) HM
Modesto has an energetic Downtown with a wide variety of dining, music, cultural and professional options. The streets you are walking on today have been walked by celebrities, world-class musicians, Broadway stars, classical legends, and music . . . — — Map (db m227202) HM
”Every red light was a potential drag race. Everyone thought what they had under their hood was better than the other car.” -Dennis Wilson
The original cruising in Modesto was originally called "Dragging 10th", named after . . . — — Map (db m227186) HM
”The Modesto ‘cruising’ that showcased in the film American Graffiti was originally called ‘Dragging 10th’…”
The Modesto "cruising" that was showcased in the film American Graffiti was originally called "Dragging 10th". As soon as . . . — — Map (db m227051) HM
1964-1966--George Lucas attended USC's film school, which provided a rich environment for his quick mind, creative spirit, love of photography and cinema. George enjoyed being a film major where the emphasis was on experimenting and . . . — — Map (db m227194) HM
May 14, 1944--George Lucas, Jr. was born to George Walton Lucas, Sr. and Dorothy (Bomberger) Lucas. He grew up surrounded by a loving family-two older sisters, Ann and Kate, a younger sister, Wendy, as well as a community of close-knit . . . — — Map (db m227196) HM
Graffiti Summer was named after the movie American Graffiti, the much-loved, coming-of-age classic made by Modesto native, George Lucas. Film critic Roger Ebert praised the film for being “not only a great movie, but a brilliant work of . . . — — Map (db m223773) HM
Modesto sprang into existence in October 1870 as a created town on the Central Pacific Railroad line, snaking down the California's Central Valley.
Because the people of the area recognized the advantages of the railroad's year-round, reliable . . . — — Map (db m227081) HM
"A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself."
-Joseph Campbell
For a relatively small town, Modesto has produced its fair share of hometown heroes. Not heroes in the sense of curing . . . — — Map (db m227204) HM
After World War II, old car chassis and motors were readily available. In the ‘50s, the stylings of the cars reflected a new wealth and confidence of a growing America. The tailfins, the chrome and the flash were attractive and cars became an . . . — — Map (db m225306) HM
George Lucas enjoyed an idyllic childhood. Below is a list of some of the places that were important to him while he was growing up in Modesto.Ramona Avenue: The Lucas family children all grew up in a modest white house . . . — — Map (db m227181) HM
Agriculture is the food you eat, the clothes you wear and even the house you live in! Deeply rooted in heritage, tradition and commerce, agriculture in Stanislaus County feeds the world. Each year, more than 100 different crops are harvested from . . . — — Map (db m225304) HM
American Graffiti was the first movie that was created around a selection of popular music not written for a movie. These songs were integral to the script and securing the rights to the songs consumed 10% of American Graffiti's . . . — — Map (db m197645) HM
Arts and Entertainment have always played an important role in the history of Modesto. Theater and film were a big part of the Modesto culture beginning in 1872 starting with the Rogers Hall, which featured gas foot lamps and a sawdust floor. The . . . — — Map (db m227085) HM
”…the Historic Cruise Route of 10th and 11th Streets is the center of the nightlife scene and a big part of Modesto’s Downtown Renaissance.”
Music has been a big part of Modesto history. Legendary country radio DJ and singer Chester Smith . . . — — Map (db m227045) HM
Modesto was the home of some of the most legendary street rod builders and car customizers. Car customizing evolved out of necessity. Kids could not afford new cars and they had to fix and rebuild the ones they had. These cars were built to race, to . . . — — Map (db m226366) HM
“A neon drive-in casts long shadows across a vast parking lot as the sun drops behind a distant hill. A large neon sign buzzes in the foreground of MEL’S DRIVE-IN, while in the background, “Rock Around The Clock” blares from the radio of a beautiful . . . — — Map (db m223768) HM
Modesto was a one-high school town for 70 years. Modest high school opened in 1882 and was Modesto’s only high school until 1951. High school life in Modesto was very important. Many of the social activities were school related. The sporting events, . . . — — Map (db m223523) HM
Welcome to Modesto, the Stanislaus County seat, and 16th largest City in the State. We may be big, but we still have that small- town charm and friendly people. The community appreciates the past and the many people who pioneered this unique area. . . . — — Map (db m227169) HM
"I wrote the story around the songs that I loved"
-George Lucas
"In 1960, the music scene was that of innocent times... dancing or listening to lyrics of teenage love, teenage heartbreak, or just good old rock n' roll by local . . . — — Map (db m227200) HM
The name “Drag” originated as drivers would drag race from one traffic light to the next. Hand-signals would be used at the intersections. One finger for a first gear race to the next light, or two for a second gear race. Most of the people who . . . — — Map (db m225444) HM
The Modesto Police will forever be linked to American Graffiti through the most famous scene in the movie. Curt, the film’s protagonist, as a punishment from the notorious car club “The Pharaohs” (The Faros in real life) for scratching the . . . — — Map (db m225303) HM
Wolfman Jack (Robert Weston Smith), as seen in George Lucas' classic film American Graffiti, howled out to cruisers in Modesto beginning in 1963, but only after all the local AM radio stations signed off for the night. It was then that the . . . — — Map (db m227177) HM
The Town of Adamsville was located approximately ½ mile west of this location. Founded in 1849 and named after Dr. David Adams, Adamsville became the county seat of the newly formed Stanislaus County on June 10, 1854. County government remained here . . . — — Map (db m213851) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m226369) HM
In 1918 the Modesto Aviation Field was established on land donated by T. Lellane, making it the first municipally owned airport in the country.
In 1926 the name was changed to Bud Coffee Aviation Field in honor of Harold Coffee, a local test . . . — — Map (db m243824) HM
Grant Post #9
Modesto, California
1879 – 1938
GAR
This plot was dedicated to the GAR members of Grant Post #9 who fought for the Union during the Civil War of 1861-1865. The post was chartered in 1879 with ten members and grew to several . . . — — Map (db m219498) HM
Named in honor of John W. Laird, pioneer of 1846. A Mexican War Veteran, miner, ferryman, and civic leader. He established the first private school in this area, and served as commissioner in the organization of Stanislaus County in 1854. Born 1806 . . . — — Map (db m213853) HM WM
Originally called “Ralston” after the
founder who was too modest to permit
the use of his name, hence “Modesto”
Adamsville – 1854, Named after Doctor Adams, the only physician in the area.
Empire City – . . . — — Map (db m19506) HM
Formerly Independent Order of Odd Fellows (Wildey Lodge) Cemetery
The flagpole and bricks used in this monument are from the Hughson Hotel built in 1913 by Luella Hughson. This modern hotel had a 36 foot redwood flagpole where the American . . . — — Map (db m58587) HM
[Panel 1:]
PEACE
This silent tribute to the fallen heros
of Stanislaus County who gave their
lives for family and country that
Freedom and Peace may endure.
They bravely fought not for fame or
glory but for Liberty . . . — — Map (db m19482) WM
The first recorded burial here was in 1860, but oral history says there were burials as early as 1850. Veterans of wars and conflicts since the Civil War are also buried here. In 1890 a wooden sidewalk was built from downtown so that the ladies’ . . . — — Map (db m19458) HM
Southern Pacific Railroad Passenger Depot originally completed 1915.
Transportation Center Dedicated December 10, 1993
Modesto City Council
Richard A. Lang, Mayor • David E.Cogdill, Vice-Mayor • Charles V. Bird • Stan Dobbs • Kenni Friedman . . . — — Map (db m197394) HM
Dedicated on the 20th day of June 2000, the new headquarters for the Modesto Police Department is named in memory of Chief Gerald L. McKinsey, who served as a law enforcement officer for 37 years. He was the Chief of Police for the Modesto Police . . . — — Map (db m223771) HM
[Upper Plaque]
Honoring those who served, those who fought, and those who gave the last full measure of devotion to us, their families, and their Country. Their sacrifice is priceless, there courage supreme, and their devotion eternal. . . . — — Map (db m41094) HM
The McHenry Mansion, built in 1883 by Robert McHenry, prominent local rancher/banker, is a fine example of the Victorian Italianate Style of architecture. In 1923, it was converted into apartments and remained as such until 1976 when the Julio R. . . . — — Map (db m19470) HM
Marker One:
The McHenry Museum
Constructed 1911
Dedicated as a Historic Building
For the U.S.A. Bicentennial
By the Major Hugh Moss Chapter
NSDAR
June 29, 1975
Marker Two:
City of Modesto
Landmark Preservation Site . . . — — Map (db m224853) HM
The Modesto Arch was erected in 1912 by the Modesto Business Men's Association, the predecessor to the Modesto Chamber of Commerce. The arch was intended to be the centerpiece of Modesto's growing downtown. A contest was held to decide on the . . . — — Map (db m197163) HM
October 12, 1995
Betty Saletta, Sculptor
[Second Marker:]
For much of our community’s history, the young person who delivered The Modesto Bee to our homes has been an enduring symbol of initiative and pluck. The Paper Boy . . . — — Map (db m19507) HM
Marker One:
City of Modesto
Landmark Preservation Site
Marker Two:
This Property
Has Been Placed On The
National Register of Historic Places
By the United States Department of the Interior . . . — — Map (db m224850) HM
