"Myrtle the Turtle" started out as a concept in 1957, by Willis Keys and his wife, Guin.
She suggested they enter a float in the next turtle race parade and asked Willis if he
would build some kind of turtle on wheels that could be pulled by the two of them.
Willis began to brainstorm! Guin drew the turtle’s original motif. From there, Willis
started by cutting ribs of plywood, steel rods were bent and placed over the ribs and the
shell was then covered with chicken wire. Guin drew the pattern of a turtle shell while
the plaster was still wet. The legs and head were formed out of chicken wire, plastered,
dried and mounted onto the shell so they would move a bit. Guin painted the turtle.
They entered Myrtle in the Turtle Days Parade in Joshua Tree. Willis believes "Myrtle" was
actually the second turtle float entered in any of Joshua Tree’s turtle race parades. He
states, "The first turtle was quite a bit smaller, had wheels, and was pulled by a cord."
The first turtle float entry was thought to have been back in the 1946 time period.
When Willis dismantled "Myrtle" from the scooter he asked the Joshua Tree Chamber if they
wanted her. The chamber agreed and this is how she became a permanent resident of Joshua
Tree.
She was then adopted by Howard Pierce, restored, and changed into her present-day form.
One of Myrtle’s plaques records a dedication to Turtle Island and "Al Mackin, known as
Mr. Turtle." The second plaque states "Donated to the Community of Joshua Tree by
Howard Pierce."
Pertinent details remain sketchy from this time period. If you have any more information
or old pictures of "Myrtle," please contact the Joshua Tree Chamber of Commerce office.
Story and older pictures of Myrtle are courtesy of Becky, who researched Myrtle when she
worked for the Joshua Tree Chamber. Many thanks!