Photo from the Denver Post. Both Life Magazine and the Denver Post covered the event. Note the white wagon above. It appears in a couple of the color photos below.
UPDATE: These Life Magazine photos and some other information was originally posted in 2011. A couple days ago I confirmed that these photos were from a special 1959 Jeep Calvacade, organized as one of many events during the 1859-1959 Rush to the Rockies Centennial Celebration.
I’d love to get a digital copy of the below brochure if anyone has one.
Some folks attached these flags to their rigs.
I hope to gather more information about the Jeep Cavalcade soon. In the meantime, I’ve only been able to document that one of these photos appeared in print in the December 28, 1959, issue of Life Magazine (the one below).
In the last picture the leading Jeep with the Colorado YX-56 license plate has a triangular sign on the front grill that I think says “(?) 50 Mile Club”. Can anbody make out the first word, along with what is on the sign just below that windshield?
Correction, it might be “(?) 50 Jeep Club”.
I too tried to figure out what the sign said, but couldn’t make it out.
I also just noticed that on the back of the gray jeep, which I assume is the lead jeep, is some kind of extension in the rear (more visible in the second to the last photo).
In the 1958-59 timeframe they started a annual Jeep Calvalcade held in Ouray that was a pretty big deal. I have some literature and banners from the original event that I can post. We’re going to have a Tour Jeep Calvalcade of our own this 4th of July week in Ouray. Even $5 a gallon fuel won’t keep me away!!!!
Craig
That sounds fun!
The black Jeep with the tan seats (on the left side of the first photo) appears to have been stretched at the door openings. Look at the full size original picture for an easier view. My eyes are vintage and need help.
Good Catch. I hadn’t noticed that mod.
I wasn’t sure I was seeing what I saw or that it was caused by all that epoxy dust I’d been snorting. Great pictures either way, looks like some serious fun!
Did a little searching and that was the Jeep Cavalcade that I was talking about. The Life Magazine article was from December 1959. I’ll dig up the stuff I have this weekend and get you a copy. Sorry no FC’s in the cavalcade.
That’s great Craig! I’d love to get that.
BEEN THERE — DONE IT — MILLION DOLLAR HIGHWAY — BLACK BEAR ROAD — SILVERTON — MOLAS PASS — WAS IN SILVERTON WHEN JOHN DENVERS BIG HIT CAME OUT — ” ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH ” — 1972 ?? — EATING A TROUT OMELET — IN A LITTLE DINER — JUKE BOX — BEEN THERE — WE DRIVE YOU LOOK JEEP TOURS OURAY — MODIFIED FC -170S — SEEN EM — DURANGO — LAS ANIMAS RIVER — TRAIN — CHOO CHOO !!! — RAINS EVERY AFTERNOON IN THE SAN JUANS — NEEDLE PEAK — LOVE IT THERE — MAYBE I’LL MOVE BACK THERE ?? — NEED A SUPERCHARGER ON A JEEP !!!
Check this plate out, I can’t believe it went as high as it did. No, unfortunately I did not win it. https://www.ebay.com/itm/San-Juan-Rockies-Colorado-Jeep-Cavalcade-4-X-4-Party-License-Plate-Topper-Tag/223134365102
Holy Smokes! $202?
I know. Embarrassed to say that I was the runner up bid at $200 using an auto bidding software.
Now that I understand the history of the plaque better, I can see it has more value, especially for Coloradans.