John Sloan, ca. 1916, "Hill, Main Street, Gloucester"
Sloan had a car enthusiast friend, Randall Davey, and his car adventures were interpreted in the artist's later work. The painting represents the speed and freedom (and kicked up dust!) that were gained during various auto trips, primarily in the southwest. Sloan, who began as a critic of the automobile and American values, slowly caught up with the more exhilarating possibilities of auto travel.
"The Movey Troup," 1920. Here Sloan equates the automobile with stardom, wealth, and the American Dream. Stars and their cars remains an interest fro many Americans -- see MTV's "Cribs."
John Sloan -- "Indian Detour" -- 1927 -- buses, tourists, and travelers surround a group so Santa Fe Indians while performing a ritual dance! No longer is it the wagons surrounding migrating settlers, as was the case in the 19th century. A new era of freedom, indeed.
Known as the clown prince of auto racing, Eddie Sachs looms large in my memories from childhood. At the very time I began to take interest in the INDY 500, Eddie was at his best, although he never won an INDY race. He did come close, finishing 2nd in 1961, 3rd in 1962, and on the pole in 1960 and 1961. He is best remembered for being involved in a fatal accident in 1964 that also killed Dave MacDonald. The late 1950s and early 1960s was perhaps the last era during which racing at the Brickyard was so dangerous, and at times fatal for the unlucky few. Thanks, Eddie, for all that you did!
