Try to explain Tinkertown

As I may have mentioned previously, there are underlying tenants that guide this website. Furthermore, the #2 tenant is to always search for that little slice of Americana. So, with that tenant in mind, I am not sure that I could ever do better than Tinkertown. Tinkertown is the essence of Americana that I dedicate my life to find. Now, its a bit off the beaten path…just as I prefer. This hidden gem of Americana is located up in the Sandia Mountain range which is immediately east of Albuquerque, New Mexico. But, just because I know Tinkertown is the right slice, it does not mean its an easy place to explain. So, bear with me as I try to explain Tinkertown.

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So, I will admit that I have a soft spot for “apparent” junkyards. When you pull into Tinkertown, you will see a junkyard. But, as you walk around and give it a chance, you will see the brilliance and beauty of it’s construction. The creator used unwanted and recycled material to create the museum and the walls within the museum. Over fifty thousand glass bottles were used as the primary bricks in the museum’s 22 rooms. The creator was “green” way before green was cool.

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Now, as to the creative genius, that would be Ross Ward (1941-2002). As a self taught artist, Ross worked most of his life as a show painter for various traveling carnivals. But, outside of his day job, he spent the rest of his hours carving and tinkering. He favored the old west and circus themes. Over the decades, he carved, painted and assembled these detailed scenes that would eventually find a home in Tinkertown. It is impossible to give proper justice to the intricacy and detail of these hand-carved scenes. So, rather than fail in the attempt, let’s just let his work speak for itself…

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Beyond the carvings, another major component of Tinkertown is his early animatronic machines. When you pay your admission, the lady gives you quarters back for your change. Its an ingenious revenue gimmick to recapture those quarters in the animatronic machines. These machines were key staples of the entertainment provided by the traveling carnivals of Ross’s time. These old school video machines moved and played songs from decades old themes.

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OK, brace yourself. I am very technologically challenged. This will be my first attempt to attach a “high quality” video onto one of my post. It will give you a clear understanding of these antique animatronic machines. Its a video that I call “PBR at Tinkertown”

There you have it. That was my attempt to try to explain Tinkertown. Its one man’s life work. Its a 30 year project of love. Most importantly, its a great slice of Americana. If you happen to be wandering in the Sandia Mountains, east of Albuquerque, be sure to stop in to Tinkertown. Undoubtedly, it will be worth your effort. Oh, I almost forgot. I don’t know the exact elevation of Tinkertown. But, its half way up the mountain. When you are done with Tinkertown, instead of going down…go up. Sandia Park is at the top of the mountain. It’s about 15 minutes up the road. The elevation at the top is over 11,000 feet. Its a marvelous view of Albuquerque. PT

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I hope you have enjoyed reading “Try to explain Tinkertown” on Traveling with PugsleyTonks.

If you enjoyed that post, you may also like https://travelingwithpt.com/troll-museum-of-course/

If you want to plan your trip to Tinkertown, here you go http://tinkertown.com/