What wonderful timing! An article appeared in this week's NEW TIMES
(Phoenix's free entertainment paper) on the subject of America's quirky
attractions. Apparently two of the authors of the book ROADSIDE AMERICA were
in our Valley of the Sun last week to view more attractions for their newest
edition (to be published in 1996).
     They came to see the Sunnyslope Rock garden, constructed in 1962. This
interesting folk art garden is made from concrete and Fiesta Ware. As some
people remember, Fiesta Ware has minute traces of uranium in the glaze and are
considered radioactive. Of course, now, it is a collectible. The authors are
unsure of whether they will put the garden in the chapter entitled "Concretia
Dementia," or the one called "Atomic Tour".
     Carhenge is mentioned in the article. Apparently, it was built during a
series of weekend family reunions held in Alliance, Nebraska, beginning in
1987. The Cadillac Ranch (which I misrembered as "farm") was built by a
wealthy Texan and an artists' collective known as the Ant Farm.
     The article also documents the impact of the current wave on PC on many
of these roadside museums.
     (Citation: Webb, Dewey. "Tour de Farce," NEW TIMES April 20-26,
1994:21-26.)
 
Anita Cohen-Williams; Reference Services; Hayden Library
Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ  85287-1006
PHONE: (602) 965-4579              FAX: (602) 965-9169
BITNET: IACAGC@ASUACAD    INTERNET: [log in to unmask]