In the 1950s, a cement truck crashed near Winganon, Oklahoma, leaving the mixer behind as it was too heavy to move. 50 years later, artistic-minded locals transformed it into what looks like an abandoned NASA space capsule.
If you are driving along the road between Talala and Winganon in Oklahoma, you might be surprised to see a strange object that looks like a space capsule from NASA. But don’t worry, you are not witnessing a crash landing or a secret mission. You are actually looking at an old cement mixer that has been transformed into a quirky roadside attraction.
The story of the Winganon Space Capsule goes back to 1959, when a truck carrying a cement mixer was on its way to help build a bridge over Oologah Lake. Unfortunately, the truck had an accident and rolled over, spilling the cement mixer on the side of the road. The cement inside the mixer quickly hardened, making it impossible to move. The truck was towed away, but the mixer was left behind, with the promise that it would be buried later.
However, that never happened, and the mixer became a familiar sight for the locals, who started to use it as a canvas for graffiti. For decades, the mixer was painted with various messages, names, and symbols, changing its appearance over time. Some people even proposed to their loved ones near the mixer, making it a romantic spot for some.
In 2011, a local couple decided to give the mixer a makeover for their fifth wedding anniversary. Heather and Barry Thomas, who are both artists, noticed that the shape of the mixer resembled that of a space capsule. They came up with the idea of turning it into a replica of a NASA spacecraft, using silver paint, canning lids, garden hose, broken reflectors, and other household items. They added NASA logos, an American flag, and thrusters on the bottom to make it look more realistic.
The result was a stunning transformation that caught the attention of many drivers and visitors. The Winganon Space Capsule became a popular photo op and a source of curiosity and amusement for anyone who saw it. Heather Thomas hoped that the new paint job would discourage people from vandalizing it with graffiti, and so far, it seems to have worked. The capsule has remained intact for over 10 years, although some of the thrusters have fallen off.
The Winganon Space Capsule is one of those unique attractions that make road trips more fun and memorable. It is a testament to the creativity and humor of the people who live in this area, and a reminder that sometimes accidents can lead to art.
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