M.B. HENRY 
Route 66 Series: Bottles, Cards, and Legacies
Legacy.
It’s a heavy word at times. A word I’ve been thinking a lot about in the last few days for my own reasons, of which you will read more about below. The idea of what we will leave behind when we are gone might be a bit too intense for a blog post. Because let’s face it, it’s a lot to live up to, isn’t it? Some people leave behind very big legacies, and it might put pressure on us to make an equally permanent impact on the world. Some people leave behind smaller ones, and they might feel like it’s just not enough. Then there are some of us who wonder if we will leave anything at all behind when we are gone.
See what I mean? Heavy! But what if it was a little simpler than that? What if we took the pressure off ourselves for just a second and thought about the little impacts we make on others every day, and how they can add up to something big? What if a legacy can be something as easy as a few boxes of glass bottles, left behind when an ordinary engineer departed this world for his final journey?
If that sounds like it’s not quite enough to make an impact, I invite you to come with me on a photographic tour of Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch – located in Oro Grande, California, one of the final stops when heading East to West on the famous Route 66.
Bottle Tree Ranch is just what it sounds like. A field of bottles on poles, creating a sparkly, colorful forest that stretches on across a large swath of California desert. Squeezed in with the countless bottles are random objects and artifacts, most of them found within the sandy open space that surrounds the place on all sides. Even if you don’t have much use for bottles, Bottle Tree Ranch is still an incredible stop for the sheer creativity of it all. It’s also a gem of an opportunity for honing in on the photography skills.
All things considered, Bottle Tree Ranch is an interesting and noteworthy legacy, and it all started because of Elmer Long. He was a humble aviation engineer who worked out of Manhattan Beach. A good enough ocean way to pass his days, but it was the desert sands that most captured Long’s imagination. With his son, Elmer Long Jr, he made quite the hobby of digging up lost treasures in the sand, taking a special shine to the many old-fashioned glass bottles he always found lying around.
It’s kind of a neat picture – father and son strolling through the desert, maybe hand in hand, finding junk that people tossed out at one time and turning it into their own personal treasure hoard. Which must have been a very special experience for Long Jr. Because when his father died, he kept all those bottles and decided to try and do something with them.
One morning, he tied some of them to a pole and put it outside. His first ever bottle tree. A simple piece of artwork that was nothing to fuss about really. Until the sun gleamed through the bottles and created a dazzling colorful effect on the sand. So mesmerized by the display, Long Jr. drug all the bottles up from the basement and turned them into tree after tree after tree. With that, Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch was born, and it’s been a popular stop on Route 66 ever since – only closing briefly when Elmer Long Jr. passed away in 2019 (which happened to be the same year we went through – luckily it was back open by then). Today, his own son runs the place, the legacy and love of bottles dribbling down to a third generation.
As I strolled along through the ranch, admiring all the unique takes on how one can make a bottle tree, I really got to thinking. Because there were a lot of people there with us. Smiling, pointing at the bottles. Kids were laughing. People were taking pictures. Posing for selfies. Posting on social media and sharing the joy with loads of others. All because someone decided to tie some junk to a pole and stick it in the sand. Through that, countless people have gotten to marvel at something special. Something that, like any other tree really, only needs a little bit of sunlight to show how truly magical it can be.
Five years after our amazing trip down Route 66, I still think of Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch and all the other unique stops on that road very often. Which is quite a legacy, and which puts me in mind of my grandma.
Wait, what? Why grandma? Well, before we drove down that iconic Mother Road in 2019, before we saw Bottle Tree Ranch or anything else, my husband and I made a pit-stop in Ohio to see grandma. I had always enjoyed a close relationship with Grandma Edna, and we happened to arrive in town on her birthday. She was turning 93 that year. We gathered in the kitchen at my cousin’s house. Grandma made us all laugh when she said she was afraid to blow out the candles on her cake because it might send her dentures flying. She had a way with saying silly things like that and making us laugh. I like to think that’s one of her legacies. Laughter, which she always happily partook in right until the very end.
Which came very recently, I’m afraid. Just on February 8 of this year, my Grandma Edna passed away at the ripe old age of 97. It was sudden, and although nothing should be unexpected at 97, I must admit that I wasn’t ready. When we heard that grandma had taken a bad fall, my parents and I jumped in the car and raced down to Florida, where she was living at the time. We made it in time to sit by her bedside and help her prepare for her final journey. She died surrounded by her family. Another one of her legacies.
It taught me something very important, seeing that heartbreaking situation play out. It made me see that legacy doesn’t have to be something super big. It doesn’t have to be complex. Legacy can be something little that a person finds great beauty in. For Elmer Long and his son, it was bottles. For Edna Burns, it was laughter… and maybe cards. Grandma was a hell of a Euchre player. Every Burns is, and it dribbles down from Grandma. She taught me how to play when I was a teenager, and now for every single family get together, the drinks get poured, the cards come out, and the Euchre begins. We laugh when we play. Sometimes it gets rowdy. People get competitive, but it’s all in good fun. All those good and happy memories created from something so simple as a deck of cards.
It’s people like Elmer Long, and my beautiful grandmother, who taught me that I don’t have to shake the world to make a difference. I can make a difference with something much more simple than that. Which is a lesson I will carry with me always. I miss my grandma something awful you guys. Her death broke my heart. I still cry almost every day. But the beauty is I get to think of her every time those Euchre cards come out. Every time I make a snarky joke or wild comment that makes someone laugh. It’s all her living inside me, creating magic, shining through like the sun through those bottle trees at Bottle Tree Ranch.
I will miss you very much, Grandma. I will do my best to carry your legacy forward. Although it still might be scary at times, because you did leave some big shoes to fill. You made it to 97. You never stopped having adventures. You lived. But every time I get scared, I’m going to remember how simple it really can be. As simple as a deck of cards or a glass bottle. I’m going to remember Grandma, and the many little legacies she left on me. Especially when someone trumps my ace.
SOURCES
Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch – 2019
Wikipedia
Trip Advisor
RIP Edna Burns. A life well lived.
Very wise and very poignant post, MB. You’re right that there can be all kinds of legacies — big or small, involving objects or how-to-live-well examples. My condolences on the death of your grandmother.
Thank you <3 She is very deeply missed. Such a remarkable woman who made a big impact on the people around her! <3
A grandmother is one of our most significant relationships I think. I’m sorry for the loss of your special person. 💔 Her love is eternal and a rich blessing. Have you read Giliad by Marilynne Robinson? It’s poignant literary fiction about an older father’s reflections on what legacy he’s leaving his young son.
I’ll have to look into that book – sounds very good! And yes, my grandmother and I were very close and it was very upsetting to lose her so unexpectedly. A shock, really. She will be deeply, deeply missed.
She sounds like a treasure! Have you put your thoughts and feelings in writing?
Our grandson lives with us so our relationship is very special!
From what you’ve shared of Edna’s personality, it is clear that it shines in you, too. We never realize all the big and small ways we leave legacies. We all touch others and we all some way to leave a positive impact. My condolences on your loss. The memories will continue to shine, much like Elmer’s bottles.
Thank you so much for your kind words. And for reading and commenting. It helps to share about my grandmother, she was truly amazing. <3
That’s a beautiful tribute to your grandmother, M.B. So sorry for your loss.
Thank you <3 She is so deeply missed.
I am so sorry for your loss, may she rest in peace. Such lovely photos and memories <3
Thank you <3
Written with heart, M.B. This must be still raw, and I hope the writing has helped a bit.
Writing is the best therapy isn’t it? 🙂 <3 Yes - it's definitely still pretty raw, but I have lots of memories that make me smile and get me through the rough spots 🙂
Wonderful tribute to your grandmother! I loved it – such a great reminder about what’s important in thinking about legacies – you really aced it.! Bless your heart, and thank goodness for your grandmother’s influence in your life.
Thank you. I just wrote from the broken heart this time. I miss her so much. <3 I'm very glad you read it and enjoyed it.
I finally did a slice of the Mother Road last August, on a road trip with a few high school buddies. Made me think about you guys and that adventure, back in 2019
Awesome – Our adventure down Route 66 remains one of my favorite trips we’ve ever taken 🙂
A buddy and I are planning a motorcycle trip from Cape Cod, to Sturgis SD. He’s Rick also so it’s R2. It’s going to be an epic ride.
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That’s quite beautiful, M.B., a wonderful tribute that is a bit of a legacy itself. Thanks for sharing. –Curt
Thanks for reading! She was a very special lady 🙂
That was a great tribute to your wonderful grandma, I’m sure she would have been pretty proud of what you yourself have achieved, my old mum made it to 97 also.
Thank you <3 She is very, very deeply missed.
I’m very sorry to hear about your grandmother. She sounds like she was a fun, inspiring woman!
Oh, yes she was. She is so deeply missed. Still can’t really believe she’s gone 🙁
I love places like the Bottle Tree Ranch that bring a smile to people’s faces! What a special attraction. Sorry to hear of your grandmother’s passing. It’s great you remember her by the smile she often brought to your face.
She was a wonderful grandma – the best! 🙂 And I’m so fortunate to have had her in my life for so long, and to have all the memories of her that make me smile 🙂
Beautiful tribute MBH – may we all aspire to leaving a positive legacy, however small.
<3 Grandma certainly left her mark! Hopefully we can leave ours too!
A wonderful post, M.B. Sorry for the loss of your grandma. She must have been quite a woman to make it to 97. The bottle trees are spectacular. You are right it is about what we do each day for those around us. When our time comes it won’t be about what we left behind, but rather about we were as a person in life.
<3 <3 Yes. I completely agree. Thanks so much for reading!
I only knew one of my grandmothers, but I’ve often written of her. Part of her legacy is the way her wisdom shaped me: sometimes in ways I knew nothing about until decades after her death. Clearly, your beloved grandma shaped you as well, and through you and your writing, you’re helping to shape others.
As for your larger point about bottles and legacies, we have a similar site here in Houston: the Beer Can House. Places like this do seem to take on a life of their own, although their actual histories are fascinating. They’re unpredictable, too. Who knows what legacies we’ll leave? That’s something I never think about; I’d rather just live.
I like to think she had a big part in shaping my personality – especially the witty comical side 🙂 And yes, just living is very important too! An excellent point.
Few things are as valuable to a kid as a really good grandparent. I had one myself and still miss her after over 45 years. Yours sounds like she was a delight to know, and you were among the lucky few who could claim her as your own.
MB, thank you for this very thoughtful post. I loved how you tied the bottle ranch into your Grandma and the legacy theme. Your Grandma would be so proud because at least part of Your Legacy is that you have a great gift for telling wonderful stories and helping your audience to feel what you feel. Thanks again.
So sorry for your loss, M.B. And thank you for sharing those special memories of your grandmother and Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch.
lovely tribute.
oh, and that’s a heck of a lot of bottles! looks wonderful.
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It is a very unique place! I highly recommend! 🙂
Thanks for sharing this! I think I often take a very miopic view on legacy. For example, my father was a carpet cleaner for most of my life. I never really thought anything of it. But when people he simply cleaned carpets for started showing up to his funeral, I think what you’re saying here with Elmer Long and your grandmother clicked in my brain. In talking with these people, I found out that he acted as a sounding board for their ideas, a person who helped them love their homes again, a man who didn’t mind cleaning out their embarrassing stains or odors without ever making them feel shame or judgement. I realized too that he was an entrepreneur, somebody who created something in order to support a family. It’s simple, but truly an incredible legacy.
I’m going to have to take a trip down Route 66 this year and check out Bottle Tree Ranch. I actually think dad would have really liked it.
I really do think it’s the every day things we do that make the biggest difference. My grandma, and it sounds like your father, is proof of that 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing these thoughts and your father’s legacy.
A project can be a legacy, one that is shared as it was for the Longs. Memories are a legacy too, I know you’ll cherish your memories of your grandma.
Yes — I most certainly will <3
I was having difficulty contemplating by Grandfather’s Oddflows ring. If I should pass, what would happen to it. I had no sons, and my daughters had no interest. I asked my godson, and he had no interest. But, I could not bare to think of it tossed out in refuse when I pass. Luckily, my sisters son was all over it. He showed enthusiasm! I could rest easy. And I do. I typed up a letter about my Grandpa, included some pictures, and gave Collin the ring. And, done.
Glad you found someone to pass it on to!
I am sorry to hear of your grandmother’s passing, HB. That was beautifully written; she is certainly part of you and will never leave. I guess we all wonder what the point is sometimes, but I certainly treasure memories of those that I loved and am proud that they shared their time with me.
Me too <3 She is still very much missed. Her memorial service is in a couple weeks and it will be a hard one to get through. Thanks so much for reading and for your condolences.