ROADSIDE MICHAEL JACKSON, SHARTLESVILLE, PA, 1975
A giant Amish couple lures tourists into America’s most charming miniature display. That would make Shartlesville the land of the giants and miniatures. The lady, looking retro rural in her bow tied bonnet and matching apron, seems to be petting an invisible dog. The man holding a pitchfork and waving what should be a gloved and sequined hand, looks just like the gloved one to me.
This is especially odd since these two have been sitting on the platform doubling as a billboard since, according to the guy that answers the phone at Roadside America, at least 1963. And, yes, they are still there. I didn’t have the nerve, (I thought it would be impolite) to ask him if anyone ever else ever noticed the resemblance.
Of all the classic roadside attractions in America, Roadside America is definitely on my top ten list of places I most want to visit. According to their site, it’s an unforgettable panorama of life in rural United States. The 6000 sq ft. exhibit spans more than two hundred years in time and lets you see, in exquisite miniature, how people lived and worked in pioneer days… through the years since then… right up to the present.
What they mean by the present is 1961, since nothing has been changed since Laurence T. Gieringer, the man who spent most of his life created the amazing experience, died that year. I hear the highlight of the show is when night falls over the display and Kate Smith sings “God Bless America”. If that’s not Americana… I don’t know what is!
Here’s to Michael Jackson, Roadside America, Kate Smith and YOU!
Los Angeles, CA
March 11, 2010
You haven’t been here yet?
OMG, YOU MUST!
And yes, the finale is fab.
She could hold a St Bernard in those mits of hers. If only I could shrink myself and live in the 1961 exibit!
I think she is doing “the Jerk”. That was a dance that was popular around the time the display was built. Not to be politically incorrect, but I think he has two left hands, but you can check with Eugene Levy (who has two left feet) on this.
I’ve never heard of this place. It sounds like I have to make it a must if I’m ever around there. What are these giants made of? I’m tempted to make my own amish giants.
This place is a MUST for any lover of Americana! I’ve been there twice, once as a child, and a few years ago (at a somewhat more advanced age). One thing that struck me about the miniature layout is the abundance of little outhouses, often used in humorous scenarios. When the place gets dark for nighttime, and Kate Smith sings, they have their own little slideshow of (if I recall correctly) an American Flag and Jesus Christ. As you say Charles, it will make your spirit soar!
This was the destination on my fourth grade field trip from Hazel Elementary School in Hazleton, PA. I don’t remember the large Amish folks. The display, however, was incredible and made an impression, but it really seemed like a HUGE model railroad exhibit in my memories. I got in trouble with my mom for getting a sheriff badge from there with the money she gave me to use in case of emergency. You really ought to try and get there, Charles, you will love it.
Wow.
I used to PLAY WITH LITTLE MICHAEL while waiting for Mom to get off work at the Caesar’s Palace Coffee Shop. His family always ate there. I remember joyful Michael asking his Dad if he could go out by he pool and play with me.
Out of nowwhere, without stopping a beat, Joe Jackson SMACKED LITTLE MICHAEL ACROSS THE FACE and said things I’m too much of a gentleman to repeat! I can still see the SINGLE TEAR STREAMING DOWN MICHAEL’S FACE.
I knew then, that this “little boy” would have an amazing but tragic life.
Charles, you are missing out! This is one of the coolest displays I’ve ever seen…you will feel like a kid in a candy store. Your eyes will pop open in wonder and bewilderment! And you won’t even mind the old, slightly mildewy smell that definitely reminds you of the timewarp you have stumbled upon!