The Harvey Trucks | May They Rust in Peace

Driving through smaller towns can reap big benefits – whether it’s a quaint Mom and Pop restaurant, a once-majestic old home left to the elements, or a roadside honey stand still operating on the honor system. And then there are those finds that, at first glance, only seem suited as photo opportunities, yet in the end have their own stories to tell.

One such site is known to the locals of Wakulla County as the Harvey Trucks, owned by long-time resident Pat Harvey and his family.  Located on Crawfordville Highway about two miles north of the intersection of 319 and 98, these old relics once served the Harvey family farm well, first as working vehicles, then later as parts for newer ones. When their use was exhausted, Harvey originally planned on hauling them off for scrap metal.  But once he moved the trucks to the side of the road around 1997 and lined them up, he decided he liked the way they looked in that spot. Little did he know at the time that these two dozen cars and trucks would become the roadside attraction they are today.

The vehicles sit in a semi-circle in chronological order, some as old as the early 1900s and others as “new” as the mid 1970s. Mostly Fords and Dodges, a car buff might also see an old REO Speedwagon front and center.

For folks just passing with no knowledge of the history behind these trucks, they may look like part of a junk yard. For Harvey however, they conjure up pleasant memories. In an interview with WFSU, Harvey recounted some of his most vivid ones.

Among them, the first truck he ever rode in – a rusted 1941 Ford pickup. Then there’s a ’59 Ford he took his driver’s test in, as well as a dark green station wagon which was his family’s first car and the one he used for dates. Although the station wagon is rusted out, a tinge of green paint is evident in several places on the exterior, while the interior still sports faded green and tan seats.

There’s also a cattle truck that did more than just transport cattle. It was used for leisure activities. Harvey remembers sitting on a board put up across the back of the truck and riding down the highway, bugs splatting like a motorcycle without a windshield.

Each vehicle has its own story to tell and as the story of their existence has grown, so, too has their popularity. Over the years, the trucks have become a landmark of sorts. They are used as the backdrop for prom and homecoming pictures, not to mention the subject for photographers and artists alike, whether it’s for their rust and neglect, or just their novelty.

Unfortunately, the years have taken their toll on these old relics. Trees have sprouted through the rusted floorboards; vines have grown around and inside them; and vandals have taken care of what Mother Nature could not. Most are missing all of their emblems or pieces of chrome. Windows have been broken. The interiors stripped of gear shifts and odometers. Still, others got their own “paint job.”  Years ago, there was a sign that sat in the front row of the trucks that read “May They Rust in Peace.”  Sadly, even that sign is gone.

At one time, the Harveys thought they would have to clear away the trucks because of a city ordinance passed to keep folks from letting junk cars sit in their yard in public view.  Fortunately, the Harvey Trucks were grandfathered in and can remain indefinitely.

Visiting the Trucks

Heading south on 319 past Crawfordville and before Medart, the trucks can be seen on the right side of the road. There is no sign that says you have arrived, so it’s easy to drive past the first time. A circular drive makes it easy to park and get out, but it’s advisable to wear closed-toe shoes because of broken glass, overgrown trees and shrubs, and who knows what else. Take your camera along and capture your own photos of these old trucks. I’ve been a couple of times and have taken a picture of something new each time.

Enjoy some of my photos in the slideshow below and stay tuned for another post of just my photos.

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