Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Robbers Cave and Rat Rods:

I am in Bokoshe, Oklahoma working in this community which is being buried alive in coal ash.  Collecting more stories, hearing more voices, making more photographs.  This past Saturday I was invited to take a short ride over to a place called Robber's Cave State Park.
Robber's Cave State Park is located 40 miles east of Bokoshe, Oklahoma.  The park takes its name from Robbers Cave, an unusual triangular opening in the side of a scenic rock bluff. According to legend, the cave and its surrounding bluffs, ravines and
rock formations was a hideout for notorious Old West outlaws Jesse James and Belle Starr.

Every year in October the Park hosts an annual event which includes a very special type of car show.  This is where the Rat Rods come into the story.
Rat Rods are "old school" hot rods of the 50's and 60's.  Hot rods built in barns and yards.  No high end manufactured parts.  Only original parts found in the weeds or maybe out in a field.  Old parts pieced together to breathe new life into them.
You will not find any "Made in China" here.
It is all about freedom of expression and individuality.
  Good old "USA creativity".
Wonder if we will be able to find seventy year old parts in the weeds fifty years from now we can breathe new life into?  Will our grandchildren be able to find anything stamped "Made in the USA"?  I hope so.  Seeing these "Rat Rods" sure made me stop to think about it.

be strong, be safe, Carlan