Pat Harvey Ford Collection

Exploring the Pat Harvey Ford Collection: A Hidden Gem for Urban Explorers in Crawfordville, Florida

Explore the captivating Pat Harvey Ford Collection, a must-see for every urban explorer eager to uncover hidden gems within cityscapes. This meticulously curated collection highlights Pat Harvey Ford’s unique vision and artistic prowess, showcasing an array of pieces that reflect the vibrant and dynamic spirit of urban environments. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or new to the scene, the Pat Harvey Ford Collection offers something intriguing for everyone.

Dive deeper into the experience with our immersive 360-degree virtual tour. Featuring four stunning spherical panoramic images, the virtual tour allows you to navigate through the collection at your own pace. Take your time to explore each angle and detail, fully appreciating the craftsmanship and creativity that define the Pat Harvey Ford Collection. Don’t rush—immerse yourself in the urban artistry and let your curiosity guide you through this extraordinary virtual journey.

Click here to view it in fullscreen.

Below is an 11k 360VR video created from the spherical panoramic images.

Click here to view it in fullscreen.

Nestled along Highway 319 near Crawfordville, Florida, the Pat Harvey Ford Collection stands as a testament to automotive history and personal nostalgia. This unique roadside attraction features a meticulously arranged lineup of vintage Ford trucks, each with its own story to tell. For urban explorers and photography enthusiasts, the collection offers a rare glimpse into the past, where rusted relics merge with nature to create a hauntingly beautiful tableau.

Origins of the Collection

The origins of the Pat Harvey Ford Collection trace back to the Harvey family farm. Pat Harvey’s father originally owned these vehicles, utilizing them as essential workhorses on the farm. Once their operational lives concluded, the trucks served as a valuable source of parts to maintain other equipment. In the late 1990s, around 1997, Pat Harvey decided to line up the retired vehicles in chronological order, ranging from the early 1900s to the mid-1970s, creating a visual timeline of automotive evolution.

A Personal Connection

For Pat Harvey, each vehicle in the collection holds personal significance. Among the lineup is a 1941 Ford pickup—the first vehicle he remembers riding in. There’s also a 1959 Ford, notable as the car in which he took his driver’s test. Another highlight is the family’s first car, a dark green station wagon, which Pat used for dates during his younger years. These vehicles are not merely inanimate objects; they encapsulate memories and milestones from Harvey’s life.

The Collection’s Layout and Accessibility

The collection is situated just south of Crawfordville on U.S. Highway 319, near Medart. The vehicles are arranged in a semicircle, neatly lined up in chronological order. Over time, nature has intertwined with the collection—vines and grass have overgrown the rusted exteriors, and trees have sprouted through floorboards, adding to the site’s allure for urban explorers and photographers. The Harvey family has welcomed visitors, allowing photographers and travelers to stop by and capture the unique scene.

Challenges and Preservation Efforts

While the collection has become a popular spot for photography and exploration, it has faced challenges, particularly from vandalism. Many of the vehicles have had their emblems and chrome stripped, and some radiators have been stolen, likely sold for scrap metal. Despite these setbacks, Pat Harvey has chosen to keep the collection intact, allowing the public to continue appreciating these historical vehicles. Additionally, local ordinances against collecting junk cars in public view have not affected the Harvey collection, as it was established well before such regulations were implemented, allowing it to remain as a cherished local landmark.

Visiting the Pat Harvey Ford Collection

For those interested in visiting, the collection is located along Highway 319 between Crawfordville and Medart, approximately a quarter-mile north of Emmett Whaley Road on the west side. Visitors are advised to exercise caution due to the overgrown nature of the site and potential hazards like broken glass. It’s also important to respect the property and adhere to any posted signs or guidelines to ensure the site remains accessible for future visitors.

Conclusion

The Pat Harvey Ford Collection offers a unique blend of history, nostalgia, and natural beauty. For urban explorers, it presents an opportunity to step back in time and witness the remnants of a bygone era. Each vehicle tells a story, not only of its own past but also of the family’s history and the evolution of automotive design. As a roadside attraction, it stands as a testament to the passage of time and the enduring connection between people and their machines.

Note: As of November 19, 2023, the Harvey Historic Trucks display has been closed to the public until further notice. Visitors are urged to respect the “no parking” and “no trespassing” signs, as this is private property. For the latest information, please refer to local sources or contact the Harvey family directly.

If you liked this blog post, you might be interested in reading about the abandoned House in Crawfordville, Nuttallburg Coal Tipple or the Harvey’s Restaurant in Rockledge, Florida.

A 360-degree panoramic image captured at the Pat Harvey Ford Collection in Crawfordville, Florida. Image by: Jason Perrone

Welcome to a world of exploration and intrigue at Abandoned in 360, where adventure awaits with our exclusive membership options. Dive into the mysteries of forgotten places with our Gold Membership, offering access to GPS coordinates to thousands of abandoned locations worldwide. For those seeking a deeper immersion, our Platinum Membership goes beyond the map, providing members with exclusive photos and captivating 3D virtual walkthroughs of these remarkable sites. Discover hidden histories and untold stories as we continually expand our map with new locations each month. Embark on your journey today and uncover the secrets of the past like never before. Join us and start exploring with Abandoned in 360.

Equipment used to capture the 360-degree panoramic images:

• Canon DSLR camera
• Canon 8-15mm fisheye
• Manfrotto tripod
• Custom rotating tripod head

Do you have 360-degree panoramic images captured in an abandoned location? Send your images to Abandonedin360@gmail.com. If you choose to go out and do some urban exploring in your town, here are some safety tips before you head out on your Urbex adventure. If you want to start shooting 360-degree panoramic images, you might want to look onto one-click 360-degree action cameras.

Click on a state below and explore the top abandoned places for urban exploring in that state.