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American Graffiti by Betty Saletta

The movie remembrance of Modesto's past, "American Graffiti" was created by the noted filmmaker George Lucas, a Modesto native and a member of the Thomas Downey High School Class of 1962. This bronze sculpture, created by Betty Saletta, also entitled "American Graffiti" celebrates the genius of Goerge Lucas and the youthful innocence and dreams of the 50s and 60s. Betty Saletta, July 11. 1997

Although American Graffiti is set in 1962 Modesto, California, Lucas believed the city had changed too much in 10 years and initially chose San Rafael as the primary shooting location,
but the production crew was denied permission to shoot beyond a second day. As a result, most filming for American Graffiti was done in Petaluma.

George Lucas Plaza - Five Points (the Star Wars Star Destroyer shaped intersection of McHenry Avenue, "J" Street, 17th Street, Downey and Needham) in Modesto, California 94568 - Google Map - additional views

The McHenry Mansion is a restored historic residence built in the Victorian-Italianate style and located in the historic downtown of Modesto, California.

Robert McHenry (July 23, 1827 – June 24, 1890) who built the home at the expense of $10,000 in 1882-83, was a prominent local rancher and banker. The luxurious mansion was converted in apartments from 1923 to 1972.[2] The Gallo Brothers, Julio and Ernest, saved the house from demolition and donated it to the City of Modesto on April 14, 1976. The house has been restored to look like it did at the turn of the century. Admittance is free of charge and tour guides are present.

The McHenry Mansion is on the National Register of Historic places. It is owned and operated by the City of Modesto. The McHenry Mansion Foundation, a nonprofit, advisory group, was established in 1983 to provide additional support.

Currently no tours are given due to a fire that damaged the Mansion late Tuesday Dec 7, 2011. The McHenry Mansion will be closed to the public through February while the damage is assessed and repaired.

McHenry Mansion - 15th Street in Modesto, California 94568 - Google Map

McClatchy Square is an outdoor rose garden with two shade structures. It is located in downtown Modesto - at the corner of 15th and I Streets, across 15th Street from the McHenry Mansion.

The McClatchy Company, the Modesto Bee's parent company, donated the park land to the city in 1995 so people working downtown could have lunch or take a break there. The public garden was incorporated in weddings and events at the McHenry Mansion across the street. Over time it became a hangout for people living on the streets. The city restricted public access to McClatchy Square in response to complaints about homeless people who frequent the park.

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A bronze statue of a boy and a dog is set into a sidewalk corner alongside a small public park. "The Paper Boy" depicts a familiar scene for most of the 20th century, when children on foot or bicycle were the final step in newspaper distribution for towns and cities across America. It was often the first paying job for a suburban kid (and a first taste of what kind of customer never tips).

This boy carries a satchel marked "The Bee," for The Modesto Bee, the local paper. He's heroically poised to fling the morning edition at the nearest subscriber's porch, while his adorable dog leaps skyward in anticipation. If the Paper Boy is lucky, his paper won't get caught in a tree or hit a homeless park dweller. It's probably no coincidence that the park is McClatchy Square, the name of the family and company that owns various "Bee" newspapers.

The sculpture was created as a commission for The Bee by artist Betty Saletta. The plaque reads: "For much of our community's history, the young person who delivered The Modesto Bee to our homes has been an enduring symbol of initiative and pluck. The Paper Boy celebrates the timeless treasure of hope bestowed upon each generation by its youth. May our community always nurture the priceless gift of our children."

McClatchy Square - 15th & I streets in Modesto, California 94568 - Google Map - additional views

A bronze statue of a boy and a dog is set into a sidewalk corner alongside a small public park. "The Paper Boy" depicts a familiar scene for most of the 20th century, when children on foot or bicycle were the final step in newspaper distribution for towns and cities across America. It was often the first paying job for a suburban kid (and a first taste of what kind of customer never tips).

This boy carries a satchel marked "The Bee," for The Modesto Bee, the local paper. He's heroically poised to fling the morning edition at the nearest subscriber's porch, while his adorable dog leaps skyward in anticipation. If the Paper Boy is lucky, his paper won't get caught in a tree or hit a homeless park dweller. It's probably no coincidence that the park is McClatchy Square, the name of the family and company that owns various "Bee" newspapers.

The sculpture was created as a commission for The Bee by artist Betty Saletta. The plaque reads: "For much of our community's history, the young person who delivered The Modesto Bee to our homes has been an enduring symbol of initiative and pluck. The Paper Boy celebrates the timeless treasure of hope bestowed upon each generation by its youth. May our community always nurture the priceless gift of our children."

McClatchy Square - 15th & I streets in Modesto, California 94568 - Google Map - additional views

After many years in a graphic arts career, Mary Elizabeth“Betty” Saletta began sculpting in bronze. She currently maintains a studio on her horse farm near Oakdale, CA.

Member: National Sculpture Society; National League of American Pen Women.

Works held: Stanislaus County Courthouse; Hughston (CA) Centennial Plaza; Cowboy Museum (Oakdale); George Lucas Plaza (Modesto).
Source: Edan Hughes, "Artists in California, 1786-1940"

A bronze statue of a boy and a dog is set into a sidewalk corner alongside a small public park. "The Paper Boy" depicts a familiar scene for most of the 20th century, when children on foot or bicycle were the final step in newspaper distribution for towns and cities across America. It was often the first paying job for a suburban kid (and a first taste of what kind of customer never tips).

This boy carries a satchel marked "The Bee," for The Modesto Bee, the local paper. He's heroically poised to fling the morning edition at the nearest subscriber's porch, while his adorable dog leaps skyward in anticipation. If the Paper Boy is lucky, his paper won't get caught in a tree or hit a homeless park dweller. It's probably no coincidence that the park is McClatchy Square, the name of the family and company that owns various "Bee" newspapers.

The sculpture was created as a commission for The Bee by artist Betty Saletta. The plaque reads: "For much of our community's history, the young person who delivered The Modesto Bee to our homes has been an enduring symbol of initiative and pluck. The Paper Boy celebrates the timeless treasure of hope bestowed upon each generation by its youth. May our community always nurture the priceless gift of our children."

McClatchy Square - 15th & I streets in Modesto, California 94568 - Google Map - additional views