Miss Belvedere

Tucked away in the heart of Tulsa, Oklahoma, the story of Miss Belvedere is one of intrigue, nostalgia, and a touch of misfortune. This 1957 Plymouth Belvedere, a gleaming symbol of mid-century American automotive design, was sealed away as a time capsule, only to be unearthed 50 years later during the state's centennial celebration. The tale of Miss Belvedere is a captivating blend of history, culture, and the passage of time.

The Birth of Miss Belvedere

In 1957, as part of Tulsa's Tulsarama Golden Jubilee Week festivities, celebrating Oklahoma's 50th year of statehood, city officials decided to bury a brand-new Plymouth Belvedere sport coupe in an underground vault. The car, a striking desert gold and sand dune white two-tone beauty, was intended to showcase American industrial ingenuity and to serve as a prize for a contest predicting Tulsa's population in 2007. Alongside the car, various contemporary items were placed in the vault to provide a snapshot of life in 1957 for future generations.

The vehicle, later affectionately dubbed Miss Belvedere, was carefully prepared for its long slumber. It was coated in a protective cosmoline-like substance and wrapped in layers of sealed plastic. The vault itself, constructed from poured concrete and sprayed with gunite, was designed to withstand even a nuclear attack, reflecting the Cold War anxieties of the era. A bronze marker was placed to commemorate the spot, with the promise that the vault would be opened in 2007.

Unearthing the Past

As the years passed, anticipation grew about the condition of Miss Belvedere. Would the car emerge in pristine condition, a perfectly preserved relic of the 1950s? Or would the ravages of time and moisture have taken their toll? On June 14, 2007, the vault was finally opened, revealing the answer. To the dismay of many, the vault had been breached by water, submerging the car and causing significant damage.

Despite the water damage, the unearthing of Miss Belvedere was a momentous event, attracting international attention. The car was lifted from its watery grave and transported to the Tulsa Convention Center, where it was publicly unveiled the next day. The condition of the car was far from ideal; rust had taken hold, and many of the items buried with it, including a case of Schlitz beer and containers of gasoline, were heavily deteriorated. Nonetheless, the event was a poignant reminder of the passage of time and the enduring fascination with the past.

The Fate of Miss Belvedere

Following its unveiling, Miss Belvedere faced an uncertain future. The car was intended to be awarded to the person, or their descendant, who came closest to guessing Tulsa's population in 2007. The winning entry belonged to Raymond Humbertson, whose guess of 384,743 was remarkably close to the actual population of 382,457. However, Humbertson had passed away in 1979, and the prize was ultimately awarded to his surviving relatives.

In November 2007, Miss Belvedere was shipped to New Jersey for stabilization efforts. A restoration firm specializing in de-rusting solutions aimed to preserve as much of the original car as possible. Despite the extensive damage, the goal was to maintain the car's historical integrity and eventually place it in a museum. After ten years in storage, Miss Belvedere found a new home at the Historic Auto Attractions Museum in Roscoe, Illinois, where it continues to be a symbol of mid-century Americana and the passage of time.

A Symbol of Nostalgia

Miss Belvedere's story is a testament to the power of nostalgia and the human desire to connect with the past. The car, once a gleaming example of 1950s automotive design, now stands as a poignant reminder of the impermanence of material things and the relentless march of time. Visitors to the Historic Auto Attractions Museum can gaze upon Miss Belvedere and reflect on the changes that have taken place over the past six decades.

The tale of Miss Belvedere is also a reminder of the optimism and forward-thinking spirit of the 1950s. The decision to bury a brand-new car as a time capsule was a bold statement of confidence in the future, a belief that the car would still be a source of fascination and admiration 50 years later. While the reality may not have lived up to the expectations, the story of Miss Belvedere continues to captivate and inspire.

In conclusion, Miss Belvedere is more than just a car; it is a symbol of a bygone era, a tangible link to the past, and a testament to the enduring power of human curiosity and nostalgia. Whether you are a car enthusiast, a history buff, or simply someone who appreciates a good story, a visit to see Miss Belvedere is sure to be a memorable and thought-provoking experience.