Free To See: Miss American Pie

Memorial

Fifty-five years ago, at about 1 am on Feb 3, 1959 a small plane crashed into a corn field north of Clear Lake, Iowa. Thus ended the lives of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson, along with pilot Roger Peterson.

The singers had played the night before at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, and were headed to Moorhead, Minnesota. The pilot apparently became disoriented and flew into the ground shortly after take off from the Mason City, Iowa airport.

There is a memorial at the crash site now. The first thing that strikes you when you visit the site is the thought, what a lonely place to die. But then, where isn't?

The second thing that catches your notice are the gifts people have left behind. An odd assortment of eye glasses in honor or Buddy Holly's signature horn rimmed glasses, records, photos, and even hotel room keys.

If you want to see the memorial go to Clear Lake, Iowa. Get off Interstate 35 at the 4th street exit and head west. Turn right at 8th street and go 4.66 miles. The road curves sharply to the left, but turn right onto the gravel road. Take the first left, after about 500 yards, and go north 860 yards to the next intersection.

The glasses mark the start of the path to the site. Be respectful, and remember it is private property.

Or go to Clear Lake and ask anyone. They can tell you.

In his song "Miss American Pie", Don Mclean called that "the day the music died."

He was wrong. The music will never die.