MISSOURI
66 Automobiles in a ’57 Environment
By Christy Goodman
Whether you lived through the year 1957 or not, there is a change to experience it with a trip back in time. An “ideal American town” is recreated with the nostalgic atmosphere at ’57 Heaven in Branson, Mo.
Located within the Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Complex, ’57 Heaven has 66 individual 1957American automobiles on display, as well as a large collection of household items from that year.
“Tourists who come to ’57 Heaven are drawn in by the size and quality of the collection,” said Marketing Director Larry Krauck.
One of every American made automobile manufactured in 1957 can be found on display. Vehicles from American manufacturers including Buick, Chevrolet, Ford, Cadillac, DeSoto, Hudson, Nash, Studebaker, and Packard can all be seen. Also, visitors can see NASCAR driver "Fireball" Robert’s car and a Mack Fire Truck.
“We have a chance to showcase a unique time in automotive history, both in design and performance, and take folks back in time for awhile with the items on display,” said Krauck.
The 30,000-square-foot, $25 million exhibit is solely dedicated to the year 1957, and has more than just cars on display. The exhibit attempts to help tourists actually travel back in time. Complete with a drive-in-movie theater, fire station, barbershop, gas station and Cadillac dealership, the exhibit is a slice of Americana in the mid 20th century.
One display is a re-creation of a typical house. This pink house contains a “Kitchen of Tomorrow,” that showcases daily life from pink toasters to 3-cent stamps to 24-cent gallons of gas, the varieties of items found in American homes and communities at the time.
The items on display at ‘57 Heaven are authentic because the exhibit accepts donations of genuine 1950s items. For instance, one person donated a mixer—still in the box—that was possibly used once. The donor’s mother had even saved the receipt from the purchase.
’57 Heaven attracts a wide range of visitors. Visitors’ ages range from children to people in their 90s, both male and female.
Three types of visitors comprise the majority of tourists that visit ’57 Heaven. First, people who were living during the year 1957 tend to have an interest in the exhibit.
“(They) want to relive it in some small way.” said Krauck.
In addition, people who are interested in history have a prime opportunity to experience the authentic atmosphere of the 1950s.
Also, tourists who enjoy looking at restored vehicles have an excellent opportunity to see the over 60 vehicles on display.
“If you enjoy vehicles of the 50s or want to see what life was like in 1957, you have to visit ’57 Heaven,” said Krauck.
Christy Goodman is a Franklin College junior majoring in public relations with a minor in leadership.
There are more than just automobiles at ‘57 Heaven. Visit the 1957-style Texaco station and reminisce on the 24-cent gallons of gas. Provided by Larry Krauck, Marketing Director at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Complex
Step back in time and check out numerous 1957 American made automobiles on display at ‘57 Heaven, including a 1957 DeSoto, Chevy El Morocco, Plymouth Belvedere and Chrysler Dual Ghia.
Provided by Larry Krauck, Marketing Director at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Complex
