From Eyesores to Antiques

by Rich Strazdas

When does someone’s trash become a destination? Culture is full of examples of society’s castoffs becoming icons of an era. Think urban graffiti. Or the Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas. If you left a Cadillac on the side of the road, it would attract notice and not remain in place very long. If you managed to leave it deep in the woods, you would earn the enmity of many, including most readers here. But if your nasty deed were to survive decades, it just might become a treasured destination. Life is strange, indeed. [Note that this is not a universal truth. For many years there was a Ford truck cab in Stony Brook just downstream of the Stone Arch Bridge. To great acclaim, Mike Killoran and Joe Greco cleared it in late September, 1996. Newsletter 1996 Q4].

This author has explored most, but not all, of the trails in Westford. In the course of these ramblings, no less than four vehicles were “discovered”. One is in the far north of town, two in the far south, and one beyond the border into Acton. To find car 4 follow the Red Line railbed Southeast into Acton nearly to the end. Then, continue West through a maze of 4WD tracks toward NARA Park. Have you seen any of these? Do you know of others? See if you recognize any of these images (and check the location key below). Then go explore new trails to discover the others for yourself!

Antiques Location Key

4. Acton – No MAP, follow the Red Line railbed southeast to Acton, nearly to the end. Then west through a maze of 4WD tracks toward NARA Park.

*all photos courtesy of Rich Strazdas