GraffitiView By Chris Murphy
Modesto USA is proud to be the home of American Graffiti, George Lucas’ 1973 film about cruising in 1962. ModestoView is proud to feature the legendary people that were there during those days and that George Lucas built his story upon. As we approach the 50th Anniversary of the Class of ’62, we will introduce you to Graffiti legends and share some fun Graffiti tales. In the April issue, we met the founder of the Faro’s Car Club, Dennis Billington.
This month, we take you on a rare view inside of the legendary Burge’s Drive In. During the late 40’s the contemporary music was on KTRB and then on KBOX. As rock and roll hit the airwaves, KMOD was the hit station that later became KFIV,still on the air today at AM 1360 where you hear the ModestoView morning to do list every day. This was Modesto’s soundtrack and everyone tuned to the same station.
Inside Burges’ there was a remote radio station and a KFIV DJ was there in action. Not only did he broadcast from inside the drive in, he would work the parking lot taking dedications and talking to the cruisers. Burge’s was the place to be and Dwight Case was there in the middle of it all, and spinning the rock and roll hits across the Modesto airwaves. This was truly a legendary time in Modesto. Dwight Case went on to the Sacramento and San Francisco markets and then to RKO Radio and became not only a Modesto radio legend, but a national legend too.
Soon you will see more American Graffiti history on the Modesto Historic Cruise Route coming to 10th and 11th Street beginning June 8. Click on www.modestocruiseroute.com to
Do you have an American Graffiti story to tell? Did you cruise between 1945 and 1965? Do you have any pictures you want to share? Email us or call us so that we can get your story and maybe even a dedication too. 209-534-1704 chrism@modestoview
Photo Credit: Dwight Case courtesy of the collection of Steve and Linda Pedego, Burge’s at night from the collection of Bart Bartoni
In June- ModestoView will have the best and most exciting Graffiti Summer issue ever. Look for exclusive pictures and interview and the stories behind the story of American Graffiti. Make sure you advertise in tho every exciting issue.
