This cache is part of a series of caches dedicated to the reminiscence and admiration of Roseville’s early dwellers. It is part of a series of caches called: “CACHE OUT IN ROSEVILLE” This cache replaces two former caches, “Automotive Row” and “Giant Orange”. This cache pays tribute to the streets and former dealerships which used to be such a part of Roseville. And just across the street from the starting point of this cache was a Giant Orange (Thanks to Leonard M. Davis and his research in “The Story of Roseville, California, Milestones & Memories 1850”, published by the Arts Center, 2002)
During World War II, building activity in Roseville was severely curtailed. In 1946 after the war ended, America was more than eager to resume its love affair with the automobile. Both Riverside Avenue and Vernon Street were located along the direct routes of Highway 99 and Route 40. Route 40 was known as America’s “Golden Highway” – connecting New Jersey to San Francisco. These two streets were in particularly good locations to take advantage of a renewed demand for automobiles and automotive products. The area just south of the Tower Theater became known as “AUTOMOTIVE ROW”.
Between January 1946 and December 1947, many automobile-related businesses were opened or expanded. There was a new Chrysler-Plymouth sales and service facility in the 600 block of Vernon. Crockard Chevrolet moved into expanded quarters. A Buick agency was built on Judah Street near Vernon. Also in the area was W.L.Braden’s Pontiac Garage. The Oldsmobile dealer on Riverside Ave opened a completely remodeled and expanded garage. To keep up, there was the Weiler & Rodiger’s Packard dealer.
And also on this street, right at the corner of 5th and Riverside, was a “GIANT ORANGE”. These clever drink stands were shaped like a giant orange and had a door and windows from which to sell refreshments. They began to pop up in California in the 1920’s. They lasted up until the 1970’s. This was an ideal street for one of these stands, since the main highway went right through here on Riverside Ave. The Roseville stand was demolished in the 1950’s. Some of them still exist today in backyards throughout the land.
INSTRUCTIONS TO FIND THE LETTERBOX-HYBRID CACHE:
· Start at the beginning coordinates
· Cross the street, heading north
· Walk past the auto dealership
· To the right of the sidewalk, you will see a tribute to the “Giant Orange” stand that used to be here. Admire the sign and try not to get too thirsty
· Turn around and head back where you started
· Facing south, next to the sidewalk, you will see black rod iron fencing that goes to the south and to the west
· Go to the corner post that connects both directions
· Just beyond that corner post is a shrub.
· Look in the middle of the shrub for the letterbox-hybrid cache.
· ( As usual, beware of muggles when you retrieve and replace the cache. )