Tag Archives: Cadillac Ranch

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Hoping the Caddies stand forever

Amarillo seems to be known around the country — if not the world — for two things:

That big ol’ 72-ounce steak that one can eat for free at the Big Texan Steak Ranch … and Cadillac Ranch.

And that brings to mind the thought I’m sure is on the minds of a lot of people in the wake of Stanley Marsh 3’s death: What’s going to happen to the Cadillacs?

All the headlines I’ve seen from across Texas and the nation have referred to the death of the “creator of Cadillac Ranch.” Yep, you have to link Marsh with the 10 Caddies stuck nose down in that pasture about three miles west of the Amarillo city limits on the south side of Interstate 40.

http://www.beaumontenterprise.com/news/texas/article/Stanley-Marsh-3-creator-of-Cadillac-Ranch-dies-5559319.php

It’s become a tourist stop for those passing through the Texas Panhandle.

On one visit to the Ranch — where I was taking yet another out-of-town visitor — I ran into a huge tour bus full of tourists from Australia and New Zealand; they were en route from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. They had to stop and see the Caddies. Two young men and I were talking and they couldn’t believe the sight of the cars stuck in the ground, all covered with spray-painted graffiti.

“Who does this kind of thing?” one of them asked. I mentioned Stanley’s name, told them Marsh called it “art,” and then said, “Welcome to America.” We had a big laugh.

So, what will happen to the Caddies? I’m not privy to any knowledge about that, but my sincere hope — perhaps it’s a hunch — is that the Marsh family is going to take great care of it in memory of Stanley.

Stanley Marsh 3 engenders widely varied reactions from people whenever his name comes up. Some of that reaction isn’t entirely favorable.

However, he did create a unique roadside attraction for Amarillo to enjoy — and it gives tourists something by which they can remember Amarillo.

Those memories have made a lot of people for the past 40 years or so smile. What can be so terribly wrong with that?

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SM3 leaves behind unique legacy

The news that swept across Amarillo today that Stanley Marsh 3 has died leaves me with very strange feelings at this moment.

I didn’t know Marsh well. I had made his acquaintance during the past 19-plus years I’ve lived in Amarillo. But like many of us here, I surely knew of him, his quirks, his “eccentricities,” his generosity, his art and his legal troubles.

Marsh’s death is huge at more levels than I can even count.

He’d been in failing health. The details of his death aren’t yet known as I write this essay.

Marsh’s legacy will be difficult — indeed, likely impossible — to replicate.

* Cadillac Ranch remains arguably the most unique roadside attraction in the United States of America. That’s Marsh’s creation. My sons love the place. One of them has declared it to be his “favorite place anywhere in the world.” Whenever he comes to visit, Cadillac Ranch is a must-see event. He has told me he believes the Cadillacs serve as antennae for an underground communication system Marsh uses to talk to beings in outer space. I laughed when he said that the first time; over time, I’ve come to believe just about anything associated with Marsh.

* Those yard signs sprinkled all over Amarillo, with the quirky sayings, poetry verses, witticisms, theories of life, whatever, also are part of Marsh’s legacy.

* The estate he shared with his wife, Wendy, just north of Amarillo Boulevard, is named Toad Hall. I’ve never been there, but I only can imagine how it looks.

* The “art projects” he developed across the Panhandle’s landscape also are part of his legacy. Perhaps you’ve seen the “floating mesa” off Boys Ranch Road. How about the dinosaur overlooking U.S. 60 near Miami?

* Stanley and Wendy Marsh also gave generously to West Texas A&M University and to Amarillo College. Wendy Marsh was appointed to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board by the late Gov. Ann Richards. Their commitment to higher ed was beyond question.

* And, yes, there is the legal trouble. In recent times, some individuals have leveled accusations of sexual abuse against Stanley Marsh. That’s all I am going to say about that at this time.

How do you sum up this man’s life? He was born into wealth. He married into it. He was well-educated and sought — usually through some highly unconventional means — to make a name for himself.

I’d say he succeeded.

The last time I saw Stanley Marsh 3 in the flesh was in 2006. I stood on the parking lot at Amarillo City Hall awaiting the remarks of Ku Klux Klansmen who had gathered there to make some kind of statement. Marsh and a large group of protestors came marching onto the lot, banging drums, blaring horns, clanging cymbals and other noise-makers to disrupt the Klansmen’s effort to be heard.

Marsh and I spoke briefly on that warm day. He said some nice things about the work I was doing at the time for the newspaper.

What should happen now to the art this man leaves behind? I do hope he’s taken care of it, particularly the Caddies out there west of the city.

Stanley Marsh 3’s journey on Earth has ended. Wherever he’s going, I’m certain it’s going to be quite a ride.