National Parks 1930 Road Trip
My grandparents, Helen and Julius Hertsch were married on July 11, 1928. 2 years later, on May 18, 1930, they packed their gear into their Chevrolet, and started their odyssey across the USA.
Leaving from eastern New York state, they traveled to Washington D.C., then headed west touring the national parks.
My grandmother kept an amazingly complete record of their trip in the form of a photo album and scrapbook. In addition to many personal photos, she kept clippings from brochures, postcards, and all of the paperwork: camping permits, motor vehicle permits, ticket stubs, even correspondence with park rangers after their return from the trip.
I only recently came to understand the history of one item. Grandma and grandpa went to Gruman's Chinese Theatre. I knew this was the famous theater in Hollywood associated with the stars in the sidewalk. She has the program pasted into the album, along with the ticket stubs for a matinee showing of Howard Hughes' Hell's Angels. The date shows that they saw it between the Los Angeles premier, and before the New York premier and national release.
This family treasure has often allowed me to enjoy their trip long after the fact.
Road trips | 1920-1940
Submitted 7/23/2009, WQED Multimedia
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September 28, 2009
Dan Davis, Dunedin, Florida
I'm about this () close to selling the home and getting a tent and hitting the road, but I owe to much to the upper class.........
September 28, 2009
Ruth Krueger, Wisconsin Rapids, WI
What a wonderful treasure to have. I enjoyed looking at what you had. It would make a wonderful show itself. thank you for sharing!
September 28, 2009
doublers, Wilow Glen, CA
What a treasure you have!! Have you considered having it published?
I'd buy it!