A Modesto Timeline

1870 – Modesto founded by Central Pacific Railroad.

Early 1900s – More cars begin appearing on the streets of Modesto.

May 14, 1944 – George Walton Lucas, Jr. is born.

1946 – Gene Winfield opens “Windy’s Custom Shop” on Figaro Avenue.

1950s – 1960s – Modesto teens cruise downtown, 10th and 11th Streets.

1962 – George Lucas involved in car crash on Sylvan Road.
Lucas graduates from Downey High School in Modesto.

1964 – Lucas graduates from Modesto Junior College.
Enrolls in USC film school.

1973 – American Graffiti is released.
George Lucas appears at special hometown screening of American Graffiti at the    Briggsmore Cinemas.

1970s – American Graffiti inspires “50s revival” (Happy Days, Grease).

1979 – More American Graffiti is released.

1970s – 1980s – “Graffiti Night” cruising on McHenry Avenue (the first Saturday after high school graduations).

1985 – Chamber of Commerce Graffiti Parade.

1986 – First "Hot August Nights" in Reno.

1988 – Wolfman Jack’s first appearance at a Graffiti celebration in Modesto.

1991 – Chamber of Commerce organizes "Graffiti USA".

1993 – Unorganized cruising banned in Modesto ("Graffiti USA" cruise shut down)

1994 – Last "Graffiti USA".

1997 – Statue dedication at George Lucas Plaza.

1999 – North Modesto Kiwanis sponsor first Graffiti Car Show.

2002 – George Lucas attends 40th high school reunion for Downey High class of '62.
Cruise in downtown Modesto added as part of car show.

2006 – First Petaluma Salute to American Graffiti.