Studes in Roadside Americana photos

[Bill Pressler]

Are those '66's in Steenerson's showroom, can anyone tell?

[Studedude]

[qsanford]

Are those '66's in Steenerson's showroom, can anyone tell?

They could very well be. I see an Avanti II sign in the window.

[j.byrd]

Here's a tiny bit brighter pic of Steenersons...

[Studedude]

[JRoberts]

[BobPalma]

'New subdivision going in, Joe, with an open house for two model homes?

'Couldn't have been immediately postwar because there are two 1951 Fords in the photo. BP

[8E45E]

'Couldn't have been immediately postwar because there are two 1951 Fords in the photo. BP

And seeing that Tudor and Fordor parked side by side can't better explain why the roof drip rail did not follow the rear door opening on 1949-51 Fords of those years!!

Craig

[jclary]

'New subdivision going in, Joe, with an open house for two model homes?

'Couldn't have been immediately postwar because there are two 1951 Fords in the photo. BP

What impresses me regarding this scene, is how well dressed, and orderly this crowd is. At first, I thought this might be a "wake," taking place at the nearest house, before noticing the second house is being visited as well. Then I zoomed in to the picture and couldn't detect the traditional wreath for such occasions.

Next, I noticed that there are virtually no pre-war autos in view. I believe in today's world, a similar scene would contain a bunch of vehicles in excess of ten years old.

In addition, in today's world, such a crowd would be dressed similar to a third world tribal gathering pictured in vintage National Geographic. Interesting scene, as it represents much of the era of wartime victory/recovery/transition. Relatively new automobiles, heralding the "Live here...work there," sub-division life style. The wonderful, old farmhouse in the background, as an example of a fading agrarian lifestyle. Huge acreage no longer needed. Interesting photo indeed!

[BobPalma]

What impresses me regarding this scene, is how well dressed, and orderly this crowd is. At first, I thought this might be a "wake," taking place at the nearest house, before noticing the second house is being visited as well. Then I zoomed in to the picture and couldn't detect the traditional wreath for such occasions.

Next, I noticed that there are virtually no pre-war autos in view. I believe in today's world, a similar scene would contain a bunch of vehicles in excess of ten years old.

In addition, in today's world, such a crowd would be dressed similar to a third world tribal gathering pictured in vintage National Geographic. Interesting scene, as it represents much of the era of wartime victory/recovery/transition. Relatively new automobiles, heralding the "Live here...work there," sub-division life style. The wonderful, old farmhouse in the background, as an example of a fading agrarian lifestyle. Huge acreage no longer needed. Interesting photo indeed!

All true, John.

Another clue as to those being new model homes for a subdivision going in is the topography in the immediate background, in front of the old farmhouse. The ground has obviously been scraped away. New streets and more house will likely be soon sprouting up.

I'm pretty sure those folks are waiting in line to see two samples of the types of homes that will be built in that subdivision...and they'll probably be offered special deals to place a deposit right now and secure a lower price than if they wait.

BTDT: The reason I live in the Indianapolis area is that we moved here in 1962 (when I was 16) when my Dad was in marketing for The Gene B. Glick Company of Indianapolis. That company developed many subdivisions all around Indianapolis, primarily on the east side. Competing developers vied for prospect's attention up and down Post Road Sunday afternoons. That road got its name from the fact that its northern terminus was in U. S. Fort Benjamin Harrison, in Indianapolis' NE corner.

Believe it or not, Dad's company paid me to recruit some [also paid] high school buddies to work the main intersections dressed as clowns.

Because these were young families (one subdivision was named Young America), many had youngsters in the car as they went around Sunday afternoons looking at houses. "My" clowns would hand out balloons and literature when folks stopped at intersections, encouraging the car's occupants to visit Gene B. Glick developments rather than those of the competition. Since it was summer time and few cars had air conditioning, their windows were down anyway.

Now here's the good part: As recruiter, I was appointed Head Clown. I also dressed in a clown suit and would drive our family's 1957 President 2-door up and down Post Road, stopping to relieve each clown for a few minutes every hour so they could run to a nearby gas station and take a leak...and making sure everybody had enough supplies, pop to drink, and such.

Of course, I had dropped them off from the President early in the afternoon...and then made a final round to pick them up at 5PM or so, when the traffic had died down. Amusing times, to be sure. I sure wish I had a photo of that President full of clowns; priceless. BP

[Studedude]

[Studedude]

[Studedude]

[Studedude]

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[BRUCESTUDE]

#7474; An amazing look at a small Studebaker dealership....thanks for posting!!!!