My Town Monday -- Eye of The Beholder

It's not a bird .. nor a plane. It's not Superman, or even a flying beagle. Nope, the above picture is your average, everyday floating mesa.

At least that is what it is supposed to look like. Actually it's just a mesa with a white fence built around the top. As you can see in this shot taken a bit closer.


Stanly Marsh the 3rd is the man behind this structure and several more oddities near and in my hometown, of Amarillo, Texas. And yes, I used the numerical version of three on purpose. Stanly has been quoted as saying anyone with a roman numeral after their name is just being pretentious.

Stanly is a man of wealth. His grandfather was one of the early oil and natural gas man of the Texas Panhandle. I'm not exactly sure how old he is but I'd guess upper sixties or early seventies. Here is a picture I found at this site commemorating the 20th anniversary of Sir Stanley's best known project. He's the one in the top hat.


The copy right is owned by ©1995-1996-1997-1998 Rik Gruwez but luckily he doesn't mind sharing.

And here are some shots of that project.





This is the view from I-40 of Cadillac Ranch.

Created in a wheat field back in 1974 this roadside attraction has been long been associated with Amarillo. It is one of the things I'm often asked about when traveling. The cars, all Cadillacs ranging in year models from 1949-1963 are buried intact nose down. They are located on private land(owned by Mr. Marsh but the public is encouraged top walk out and even spray graffiti on the vehicles.) Cadillac Ranch has been the subject of songs by Bruce Springsteen, Chris Ledoux, numerous Texas artists, and the Christian rock band Family Force 5.

It has also been featured in commercial and many movies. Most recently in the Disney Movie Cars. Notice the scenery in and around Radiator Springs and the description on the map which says Cadillac Range. This part of I-40 used to be Route 66 so if you've seen the movie you know why it was used.

Stanley has many other projects and I was going to include some of them in this post, but I think I'll wait and break this down into two parts since it is already getting on the long side. But here are a few teaser pics. I'll explain them and post more shots next Monday.


















I will say not everyone in Amarillo has a high opinion of Stanley, his pranks, or art. But I tend to think every town should have a Stanley Marsh the 3rd if for no other reason than to keep things interesting. He's not one to care what other think as is clear by this quote.

"Art is a legalized form of insanity, and I do it very well." ~ Stanley Marsh 3


This post is part of My Town Mondays and sadly, I am the man behind this blogworld oddity. But I'm proud to say many have joined in on my crazy idea. I will link to them below as they post their town's story for the week, so check back over the next few days and learn about other cities and communities all over the globe. And if you wish to join in we'd be glad to have you. Just drop me a line in the comments once you post.

Pattinase -- A look at Detroit, Michigan's Eastern Market.

Sex Scenes at Starbucks -- Belly up to Grand Lake, Colorado's Lariat Bar.

Tiggysmum70 -- A ncie intro to Constitution town,better know as Louisville, Ohio.

Josephine Damian -- Introduces us to New Rochelle, New York with an interesting bit of history.

Ello -- Stroll down the boardwalks at Brooklyn, New York's Coney Island.

Lana Gramlich -- Takes us on a visual tour of Abita Springs, Louisiana

Barrie Summy -- Is getting sealy about a San Diego, California beach (sorry for the bad word play but I couldn't resist)

Word Vixen -- Tells us about a unique store in Lancaster Pennsylvania called the Rhubarb Market, but sadly she doesn't mention Rhubarb Pie.

DebbieLou -- The pubs and spirits of Bishops Stortford, England

Laura Kramarsky -- Last week at the Women of Mystery blog Terrie Farley Moran gave us a look at Book Row in NYC. This week Laura tells us what it was like to be a young book lover in East Hampton, New York.

Lyzzydee -- A look at a Welwyn Garden City, England landmark.

Alex Keto -- Dives into the murky depths of Silver Spring, Maryland.

The Anti-Wife -- Gives a detailed look at her childhood in Southern Illinois.

Britta Coleman -- Hot Dogs and politics. Does life get any more American than hers in Fort Worth, Texas.