Elisabeth de Kleer
The Crossword Fence of Moffett Field
This site marks the perimeter of Moffett Federal Airfield, specifically near the remnants of Hangar One. The chain-link fence serves as a makeshift, community-driven "shrine" or folk-art installation consisting of hundreds of rolled-up crossword puzzles and classified sections, mostly from the *San Jose Mercury News*.
This specific stretch of fence has been a target for eccentric, repetitive placement of newspaper scraps for years. Local theories suggest it is the work of a single, highly dedicated individual or a small group of regulars who frequent the nearby trails and parking areas. The repetition of crosswords suggests a rhythmic, meditative habit rather than a clear protest. While Moffett Field is a restricted government facility housing NASA Ames Research Center and Google's planetary ventures, this particular display is a quintessential piece of "Silicon Valley Weird"—a low-tech, obsessive intervention on a high-security border. The yellowing and decay of the paper suggest a long-term, ongoing effort maintained against the elements.