Roadside Mural Memorializes Judith Ann Baxter

© SSBR. CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. A roadside mural. A wonderful legacy. (2024)

by Glenn Franco Simmons

A roadside mural remains colorful against the dust-kissed siding, whispering of a woman’s legacy that unfurled across decades of multiple generations.

Imagine the hands steadied, the imaginations sparked, by Judith Ann Baxter — Judy to the folks who claimed her as kin and/or friend — through her Crafty Needle & Tole, that alchemy of shop, heartbeat and hands-on community hub, pieced from the sparse digital breadcrumbs I have chased down.

I took this photo in 2024, along that lonesome two-lane stretch of US-395, where it clings fierce to the cragged Eastern Sierra Nevada’s flank, right at the sun-scorched lip of Antelope Valley’s vast, untamed sprawl.

“Judy was born in Bridgeport, CA to Roy and Betty West on March 28, 1944,” according to a Sierra Wave obituary. “She resided in the area for most of her young adulthood before briefly moving to Carlsbad, NM. Returning to Walker in 1973, she remained a friend to many of the city’s residents.

“Judy had a great love for animals and especially horses. Judy could be seen horseback riding in the beautiful Antelope Valley and participating in local gymkhanas. As a young adult, she led horseback tours around various locations in the Sierra Nevada mountains. She also worked as a dealer at Topaz Lodge before starting her own business.”

The obituary said Crafty Needle & Tole was “a staple of the community.”

“With an artistic flair, she taught tole painting for many years before branching into a professional embroidery business,” the obituary stated, adding that Judy also attended “quilting retreats with her good friends, and making intricate quilts for her loved ones.”

“The business became a cornerstone of the community, offering supplies and classes focused on tole painting — a decorative technique for hand-painting metal surfaces with floral and folk-art designs,” Grok AI stated.  “With her innate artistic talent, Judy taught tole-painting workshops for many years, fostering a sense of creativity and camaraderie among locals.”

Judy shared her life with her husband of 45 years, Don Baxter, and was a devoted mother and grandmother. At 77, she passed away in the house where she had lived for 65 years with her loving family beside her.

Even though The Crafty Needle & Tole has since closed, her influence undoubtedly left an indelible impression on many people. If you are one, please let me know in the comments.

1937 Ford Model BB Truck In Gold Hill

An old Ford dump truck (shown with a California license plate) in Gold Hill, Nev.

Photo © Glenn Franco Simmons. Please share, if so inclined.

"Based on the truck's distinctive features — like the slanted hood line, separate fender-mounted headlights, horizontal-bar grille, suicide-style doors, and stake-sided dump bed — this is a Ford Model BB series heavy-duty dump truck from 1937," according to Grok. "These were common in mining areas like Gold Hill, Nev., often painted yellow for visibility and safety."

If that analysis is incorrect, please let me know in comments. 

Carson City Downtown Revival Car Show In July

1951 Chevrolet panel van photographed at a Revival.

The always fascinating Downtown Revival Car Show ~ the seventh ~ hosted by Esther Chapter #3, Order of the Eastern Star, will take place on Saturday, July 13, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., on Carson Street in Carson City between Robinson and Fifth streets.

“Roll-in begins at Robinson Street at 6 a.m.,” according to a news release posted on Eventbrite. “All cars must enter on Robinson Street and North Carson Street. No saving spots; all groups must enter together to park together. Judging begins at 10 a.m. with awards at 2 p.m.”

Pre-registration is through July 6.

“Registration {is} limited to first 400,” according to the chapter. “Pre-registration is $40 and includes a T-shirt and ‘goodie bag.’ The day-of-show registration is $50 with no T-shirt or ‘goodie bag.’ Personal ‘Pick’ Awards will be presented by local celebrates.”

The car show is rain or shine. One never knows if summer thunder showers may head our way, but the cars would be worth seeing even in a downpour!

I’ve gone for several years and had a blast. It’s one of the most-entertaining and friendly car shows I’ve attended, and I’ve been to many such shows and concours d’Elegances.

For more information, phone Jim Hoff at 775-741-0899 or Sharon Hoff at 775-790-0921.

“Esther Chapter 3 reserves the right to exclude anyone from the car show who does not comply with all directives of the security staff,” the chapter noted. “We thank you for your understanding and cooperation. ‘Safety First!’ is our priority! Please, no burnouts before, during or after the show. Any damages to persons or property are the exclusive responsibility and liability of the show entrant.”