From the Email Inbox: University Of Chicago Scavenger Hunt Road Trip/WLCOWSVOWLT

Greetings!

My name is Patrick Augustine, and I am a member of the judging committee of the yearly University of Chicago Scavenger Hunt, the largest Scavenger Hunt in the world. One of the traditional parts of the Scavenger Hunt is a Road Trip pre-planned by the Judges, centered on travelling around the country for four days, experiencing whatever road-side attractions we can find along the way (either by planning or random chance). As this year,we decided that our trip would take us into the heart of Kansas, we made a special point of seeking out the Worlds Largest Collection of the Worlds Smallest Versions of the Worlds Largest Things, and let me tell you, it was amazing. We were very sorry that you weren't home for us to give you these accolades in person, but after seeing the bus and the other amazing things scattered throughout the yard, we just generally got the feeling that you were truly one of our organization in spirit (though we must admit, Car-Henge must always remain number one in our hearts... I mean, come on... it's Stone-Henge... made of cars! DON'T YOU UNDERSTAND?!?!).

In any case, as your attraction is a little more "on private property" than most of the others (though the sign on your door suggested you were cool with our exploring) that we're sending Scaveging Teams to this year (the ball of Twine, the Cosmosphere, the Wizard of Oz Museum, the Giant Pecan etc.), we thought it best to give you a warning that 6-10 teams of four, dressed as Wizard of Oz characters, will be visiting your distinguished locale (most likely arriving sometime Friday) to deliver the world's Smallest Version of the World's Largest Scavenger Hunt, and to take many many pictures of your amazing collection. They are a clean industrious people, and I'm sure they'd be thrilled to have you there to show them around (if possible). Once we get our finances straigtened out, we promise to become a member of your organization, and wish you all the best of luck in the future.

More information on our hunt, including past lists and can be found at http://scavhunt1.uchicago.edu/. A map of our previous road trip routes can be found at http://scavhunt1.uchicago.edu/SHRT.pdf .

Once again, you have an astouding collection!
Sincerely,
P.A.

Hi, Patrick - What a great set of roadside americana! I love the ScavengerHunt idea, and I'll be at the Home Base of World's Largest Things, Inc. onfor the rest of the week and this weekend, so bring 'em on! Part of thecollection is currently traveling, but there are still numerous WSVsavailable for viewing, as well as the other two Art Cars in the yard.

I hate to mention it, but one of the small versions currently on displayelsewhere is a World's Smallest Version of Carhenge, made out ofHotwheels... BUT, I do have images of the WS Version of Carhenge VISITINGCarhenge, which I will be sure to set out for discussion - I do understandthe heirarchy of amazement, and am proud to be counted in the same class asthis piece of Americana.

Looking forward to your visit, and I'll be looking out for your teams!-Erika Nelson, Director, WLT Inc.