Mr. Lucas Comes To Town
It took the 50-year reunion and anniversary celebration at John Muir Elementary School in Modesto a few years ago, to get the city's most famous native-son back to town. With almost 200 other former students, George Lucas joined in sharing memories of his childhood in 1950s Modesto. Lucas, who is world-renowned for his "Star Wars" films, had captured his teen years in Modesto in "American Graffiti," a 1973 movie that celebrates cruising in downtown Modeso. While he did not attend the 50th anniversary of Thomas Downey High School, John Muir's celebration brought him home. It's interesting to note that Lucas did not come to Modesto when a statue was dedicated in his honor four years ago, either. Lucas lived near John Muir School on Ramona Street when he attended grade school there. The school, which borders Coffee Road, replaced a brick structure on Morris Avenue. The brick building had been deemed unsafe for use as a school, so the new facility was built. (The former school was destroyed by an arson fire recently.) Those attending the celebration remembered the Lucas home as a place of respite. Those who knew Lucas when he went to school at John Muir, felt comfortable calling one of Hollywood's most influential film producers, "Georgie." George's father, George, Sr., ran L.M. Morris, a local business supply store that was located on I Street, across from the Stanislaus County office buildings. The company went out of business several years ago. Both of Lucas's parents have passed away. Kate Nyegaard, a former member of the Modesto City Schools board of education, is Lucas' older sister. | ||
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