Graffiti and Cruising
About This Collection
The Graffiti Collection includes images relating to cruising, drive-ins, and local car culture, especially from the period of 1946-1962. This period is considered the classic era of cruising, as depicted in George Lucas’ film American Graffiti.
Al's Drive-in at Night.
Al's Drive-in at 708 McHenry Avenue
Burge's Drive-in at Night
Burge’s Drive In was located at 1514 9th Street. It opened in 1947 and closed in 1967.
Burge's Drive-In
Burge’s Drive In was an example of the circular Streamline Moderne-style drive ins.
Burge's Drive-In
This photo was taken for the boosters’ advertisement section of the 1948 Buccaneer year book for Modesto Junior College.
Centennial Cruisers
Cruising was still popular in the 1970s.
Cruisers in 1970
A group of cruisers stopped at McHenry Village in 1970.
Felix's Drive-In
Felix’s Drive In was located at 203 McHenry Avenue in Modesto.
Lucas Plaza
Oakdale artist Betty Saletta created the statue of two teenagers on the fender of a ’57 Chevy. The statue celebrates the career of George Lucas, his film American Graffiti, and Modesto’s heritage of cruising.
Modesto Cruising Ordinance
On March 27, 1990 the City of Modesto passed anti-cruising and anti-loitering ordinances.
Recently Added Items
Cruising
Although the heyday of cruising was during the 50’s and early 60’s, cruising remained popular as shown by this photo from 1970.
Burges Drive In
This photo was taken for the boosters’ advertisement section of the 1948 Buccaneer year book for Modesto Junior College.
