We hopped on at the stop just down the block from the U of A main gate.  The old trolley, originally from Belgium, had some signs that were definitely not in English.  There were little counters between the seats, harkening back to a more gracious life in Europe where the trolley originated.

Trolley Sign - exit in 2 languages

Old Pueblo Trolley - this car built in Belgium

Since all but one seat was occupied, my gallant husband indicated that I should take the seat.  I was grateful.

The sign stated that the trolley had a 50-person capacity, which included SRO.

As we climbed on, one of the two conductors asked for our twenty-five cent fares (Sundays is only 25 cents per person!).  Since it was right before St. Paddy’s Day, they were both dressed in green-sparkly hats and other green accoutrements.

Everyone seemed in a festive spirit as we headed down the street.  The homes we whisked by were nearly a century old, bungalow-type houses that, for the most part, have been kept nicely through the years.

20th century bungalow along University Boulevard

As we headed around the trolley track’s curve, the street changed from residential to a more retail-commercial neighborhood.  The festive colors of many of the shops were certainly not boring!  The names of the shops were also inventive with some very eye-catching signs.  Stores are unique, one-of-a-kind places where you can just imagine finding some vintage 60s psychedelic clothes. Fourth Avenue shops definitely do not fit the modern image of commercial stores, but they have a funky charm of their own.

Shops along Fourth Avenue

Upbeat, funky Goodwill on Fourth Avenue

Then, a new crew of conductors came aboard as we stopped.  To our surprise, we found out we were at the end of the line!  The online map showing the trolley route has not been changed to reflect that they no longer go all the way under the underpass to Congress and back.  Stopping after only about six blocks was a disappointment.  The money we paid for the “round trip” was only $1, so we did not find the investment too extensive.

We shifted to the other side of the trolley. With enough seats for us both to be seated, we now saw the other side of the street going back to the trolley’s route near the University.  Many campus hangouts dot the south side of University Boulevard, but there was almost an eerie emptiness, since we were visiting during spring break.

Frog & Firkin, campus hangout

The Old Pueblo Trolley is a short, but fun excursion while you’re in Tucson.  Although there is a slightly higher fee on Friday night and Saturday, when they also operate, it is a non-profit organization, so you can’t be grudge the fee for the experience.

The trolley volunteers clearly love their efforts and the experience is just out of the ordinary, so it is an attraction worth considering.

http://www.oldpueblotrolley.org

Visit later this week for a view of some other Tucson scenes.

For 10 years, Casa Grande has been holding their annual car show and street fair – very successfully.  In 2009, they counted 40,000 attendees and this year the mild weather is likely to draw more. And, the show is free.

For a small city, the vehicles they attract to this event are remarkable:  Autos in “like new” condition from as far back as the early 1920s, motorcycles tricked out with amazing paint jobs and trucks you would never believe exist.

The street fair is a complementary part of the event since – well, you know, you have to eat!  The food has some unusual offerings, like Tornado Fries and Fry Bread, that you won’t find just anywhere.  Also, there were emu burgers and every kind of edible, portable food you can imagine.

Plus, the crafts range from jewelry to pottery to garlic graters and several flute vendors –  as well as almost any kind of gift you’d like to purchase.  (Too early to holiday shop for December 2010?– probably not!)  All together, there were nearly 150 vendors with food, drink and crafts to see.  Just big enough that you could see everything and not be worn out.

But, what really impressed us, though, were the cars…

Vintage vehicles of every description

Casa Grande has quite a few “vintage people,” so it was no surprise to hear people say, “I had a car like that when I was young” or “My Dad had a car like that!”

Hup, two…

Frank Fretheim (grey hat) and his 1932 Hupmobile

One car that was a particular focus of attention was the 1932 Hupmobile owned by Frank Fretheim.  The green, mint-condition vehicle has been obviously, lovingly kept.  It has 98,000-plus miles and, Frank maintains, had only 80,000 miles until 1980.  The car purrs – Frank started it up to prove it!  Other fun features are the button on the dashboard that shows how much oil is in the engine, the “trunk” (that is really just a shelf on the outside of the car’s rear,) and a special accoutrement that Frank has casually put on the rear seat.  The special feature is an old machine gun, such as a gangster type might have used.  Frank jokes that he gets “really fast service when he drives up to the bank window and asks for money.” (Frank definitely has a sense of humor.)  He also has another Hupmobile that he bought on EBay.

Unusual car accoutrement in back of Hupmobile

Hupmobile's trunk

Other vehicles

What auto show is complete without a 1925 Ford Model T, all boxy and upright.  There were older cars, but they did not look as elderly as they were too shiny and modernized.

1925 Ford Model T

A Kaiser, vintage 1954 caught my eye (“Darrin “ model) with leather seats. And, a 1941 Pontiac coupe was impressive.  There was a 1933 Plymouth sedan on display in green that really looked well-preserved, too.

1954 Kaiser "Darrin"

For the sportier car fan, there was also a vintage 1969 VW Karmann Ghia in a carmel color.   And, movie buffs could also revel in seeing several DeLoreans, such as they featured in the “Back to the Future”  movies.

1969 VW Karmann Ghia - one of the newer cars on view

1982 DeLorean

My vote for the strangest looking vehicle – which actually works – was a stagecoach – motorized, that also serves as a limousine.  Very weird-looking, but people were loving having a seat in it.

Stagecoach - available for hire

Casa Grande’s fair occurs annually in February.  Check it out if you’re in Arizona.

Come back later this  week for an unusual restaurant in Casa Grande.