For the Reporter
Whether you are cruising down I-5, Route 167 or Route 18, all roads lead to Auburn for a rockin’ trip back in time.
Grease Was the Word is a new exhibit opening at the White River Valley Museum that looks at the quickly changing world of teenagers and their cars in 1950s and ’60s America.
Like every generation of youth, these teens challenged the social norms of their parents, but they had an additional tool at their disposal: the easily available automobile. The exhibit explores how cars enabled this generation of teens to socialize differently, travel further and express themselves in ways that American culture had never seen before.
The exhibit includes a collection of never-before-exhibited artifacts from the Gearlords Car Club, an Auburn-based teen car club that existed from 1962-1969. Other artifacts on display include: clothing, photographs, a juke box, and drive-in movie memorabilia including a screen airing instructional films from the era such as “How to Date” and “Teenicide”.
About the White River Valley Museum
The museum combines history and culture to create an exciting and educational experience for visitors though a series of award-winning exhibits. Museum collections focus on Puget Sound history, Northwest Indian culture, Japanese immigration and the Northern Pacific Railway. The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. and is located at 918 H St. SE, Auburn. Regular admission is $2 adults, $1 seniors and children. Admission is free on Wednesdays and the fourth Sunday of the month. Call 253-288-7433 or visit www.wrvmuseum.org for event information.
