OREGON 2006: Sacrifice a Fleetwood at Midnight

[Frederick L. Simson]

At last year’s Oregon Gathering, our host Nancy would speak to the gathered multitudes in the evenings. During one of these talks, she shared with us a joke that (she believes) Dave Kester told her, “Is it true that we will sacrifice a Fleetwood at Midnight?”

I have been cleaning out my attic and I rediscovered this old Junior High School project of mine. It is a scale model of a fictional 1968 Fleetwood High Boy 12’ x 53’ Mobile Home. This one is a true “stickie,” as it is framed in pop-sickle sticks! Most of the construction is pop-sickle sticks covered in cardboard recycled out of powdered milk boxes. There are some plastic model car parts, (wheels, axles, tail lights, license plate, some furniture) and the interior is covered in vinyl contact paper.

This year will be one of the largest ever gatherings of molded fiberglass travel trailers. We are quite passionate about our rolling homes, our wheel estate, and the thought struck me that it could be quite an event for us to actually sacrifice a Fleetwood at midnight.

I would like anyone to comment here, and offer suggestions to help us out. My main point being: What constitutes a ritual sacrifice? Should there be chanting? Drumming? What should happen to the Fleetwood?

[Frederick L. Simson]

Interior pictures:


(The T-Bird is not included)

[ttmatson]

THAT has to be the Nicest '68 Fleetwood in the country - it would be a shame
to "sacrifice" it after all this time -
Excellent job - even better, is keeping it around all this time

[Jana J]

maybe just sprinkle it with something. or carry smoking tobacco around it. I don't like the idea of burning it either. it's an icon from the past, too cool. As FG continues to take over, we will need it for our history museum so children will know how strange the past was. (tongue in cheek).

[DaveK]

Yep, that was me. I admit, all I had in mind was burning a poster with cheering before the 10pm quiet time was enforced by the rangers.

Too nice a model to destroy.

[Frederick L. Simson]

Too nice a model to destroy.

OK, OK. I won't "sacrifice" it. The people have spoken, and the Fleetwood has been rescued!
Is there any interest in seeing it? Should I bring it to Gatherings to display?

[Miriam]

OK, OK. I won't "sacrifice" it. The people have spoken, and the Fleetwood has been rescued!
Is there any interest in seeing it? Should I bring it to Gatherings to display?

By all means, please bring it!!!!! I'd love to see it!

- Miriam

[Frederick L. Simson]

so children will know how strange the past was.

Well, I'm pretty strange right now! *snort*

I will display it at Space B21 during the Oregon Gathering.