Califormia to Nebraska trip July 2009 Galleries

Carhenge -Alliance Nebraska : Carhenge, which replicates Stonehenge, consists of the circle of cars, 3 standing trilithons within the circle, the heel stone, slaughter stone, and 2 station stones, and the Aubrey circle, named after Sir John Aubrey who first recognized the earthworks and great stones as a prehistoric temple in 1648. It was not until excavations undertaken in the 1920's that they were found to be holes cut to hold timber uprights. A total of 56 holes were discovered and named the Aubrey Holes in honor of John Aubrey's observation. The artist of this unique car sculpture, Jim Reinders, experimented with unusual and interesting artistic creations throughout his life. While living in England, he had the opportunity to study the design and purpose of Stonehenge. His desire to copy Stonehenge in physical size and placement came to fruition in the summer of 1987 with the help of many family members. Thirty-eight automobiles were placed to assume the same proportions as Stonehenge with the circle measuring approximately 96 feet in diameter. Some autos are held upright in pits five feet deep, trunk end down, while those cars which are placed to form the arches have been welded in place. All are covered with gray spray paint. The honor of depicting the heel stone goes to a 1962 Caddy. Carhenge was built as a memorial to Reinders' father who once lived on the farm where Carhenge now stands. While relatives were gathered following the death of Reinders' father in 1982, the discussion turned to a memorial and the idea of a Stonehenge replica was developed. The family agreed to gather in five years and build it. The clan, about 35 strong, gathered in June 1987 and went to work. They held the dedication on the Summer Solstice in 1987, with champagne, poetry, songs and a play written by the family. Carhenge has been preserved by Friends of Carhenge, a local group, who now owns and maintains it. Reinders donated the 10 acres of land where Carhenge is located. They have added a paved parking lot, picnic tables, and an educational display board. Additional sculptures have been erected at the site, known as the Car Art Reserve. One of the first sculptures to be added to the Car Art Reserve is a sculpture of a spawning salmon created by 29 year-old Canadian Geoff Sandhurst.

Carhenge -Alliance Nebraska

Carhenge, which replicates Stonehenge, consists of the circle of cars, ...

Updated: Aug 05, 2009 3:50pm PST

Rapid City, South Dakota : Cabellas & Black Hills Harley dealership

Rapid City, South Dakota

Cabellas & Black Hills Harley dealership

Updated: Aug 05, 2009 5:21pm PST

Mammoth Site, Hot Springs SD :

Mammoth Site, Hot Springs SD

Updated: Aug 07, 2009 12:10pm PST

Mount Rushmore, Rapid City, SD :

Mount Rushmore, Rapid City, SD

Updated: Aug 24, 2009 7:20pm PST

Wind Cave National Park, SD : lots of free roaming buffalo

Wind Cave National Park, SD

lots of free roaming buffalo

Updated: Aug 16, 2009 1:04pm PST

Edgemont, S Dakota :

Edgemont, S Dakota

Updated: Aug 08, 2009 8:30am PST

Alliance Nebraska :

Alliance Nebraska

Updated: Jan 21, 2010 2:25pm PST