The 1939 International Harvester bus, known as “Furthur,” is a 37-foot piece of history. Covered in rust and broken glass, it still evokes movement even while stationary. Kelly Harris, director of the Haight Street Art Center in San Francisco, describes Furthur as a “call to action.” She sees it as a reminder to keep creating and exploring.
The bus is central to “Forever Grateful,” an exhibition celebrating the countercultural revolution that began with Furthur. Harris believes Furthur’s journey is only beginning, with opportunities for future generations to draw inspiration from it.
For the first time in years, Ken Kesey’s famed bus has left his Oregon farm to appear in San Francisco. Kesey, known for his novel “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” was a Stanford creative writing student involved in government LSD experiments. His drug-induced visions informed his writing during a time when LSD was legal.
In June 1964, Kesey and “The Merry Pranksters” embarked on a cross-country journey to the New York World’s Fair in Furthur. The trip was a backdrop to early reality TV, filmed in color and marketed as a psychedelic social experiment.
Ben Marks, the bus exhibit curator, notes the journey was fueled by alcohol and LSD, leading to mixed emotional outcomes for participants. Despite some negative psychological impacts, Furthur returned to California as a symbol of liberation, marking a cultural shift.
Kesey’s influence extended when he invited a local band, later known as the Grateful Dead, to perform at Prankster parties. The band’s music continues to inspire fans and draws people to Furthur.
By the late 1960s, Kesey retreated to Oregon. Furthur was parked and began to deteriorate. Zane Kesey hopes to restore it. He describes the motto “Nothing Lasts” as key, stating, “Dad would say, they tried to achieve nothing, as it would last.”
Zane is determined to save Furthur, though the project is costly. In August, a team carefully moved the bus onto a flatbed truck for its first trip in over 50 years. Exhibits aim to raise funds for its preservation.
Kelly Harris emphasizes the message of inspiration Furthur offers. She believes it encourages art, music, and collaboration. The exhibit advocates for individuals to create their own paths.
Furthur can be seen at the “Forever Grateful” exhibition in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park until October 25. Efforts continue to fundraise for Furthur’s restoration and future display, ensuring its legacy endures.