Giant Forks: Sign of the Tines

November 17, 2009

Recently a giant fork appeared on a traffic median in Pasadena, California. No one seemed to know who was responsible for the guerrilla installation of the 18-foot-tall rogue utensil; city official said that no permits has been issued. The shiny structure remained cryptic cutlery until a man named Ken Marshall fessed up and admitted the sculpture was a prank meant to honor the 75th birthday of his friend, Bob Stane (who owns the Coffee Gallery in nearby Altadena).

It turns out that a small crew of well-wishers, dressed as Cal-Trans workers, dug a hole in the night and “stuck a fork in it,” then the artwork was secured in a concrete and steel bed. Marshall said that he cooked up the idea, inspired by the way that he and Stane often brought up how amusingly awesome it would be to see a literal “fork in the road.”

We assume that these punning pals were unaware of a similar roadside gag that was realized across the country in Red Hook, New York. That variation-on-a-theme is helpfully labeled “Fork in the Road” — just in case someone didn’t get the joke. It was created by artist Stephen Schreiber, who also installed a giant Prozac Pill on a nearby lawn. That pharmacological wonder sports a sign that reads “Don’t Worry. Be Happy.”

Other notable examples of silverware on steroids include the “World’s Largest Fork” in Springfield, Missouri, which once stood in front of a now-shuttered restaurant and currently spruces up the parking lot of an ad agency (proving that putting the World’s Biggest Something in front of your place of business is no guarantee of success); the Giant Meat Cleaver of Topeka, Kansas; and Claus Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen’s “Spoonbridge and Cherry” at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis.

Not to mention a 14-foot World’s Largest Purple Spoon that beckons shopper to drop some dough at Wagner’s Wondrous Wands and Spiral Spoons Gift Shop in East Glacier Park, Montana.

Back in Pasadena, Marshall has stated that he wants to donate his giant fork to the city and hopes it will become a permanent fixture. We support this endeavor, as the fork is certainly a feast for the eyes. [Post by Anne d. Bernstein; thanks to S. Winston for the photo]

Sections: Statues
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Squawk Show

November 12, 2009

The town of Everman, Texas has a problem with parrots. The burg’s ever-growing colony of Quaker Parrots first appeared in the early ’90s. The feathery flocks are assumed to be descended from former pets. Local legend has it that an unidentified feuding couple released some birds during a quarrel (About what? Changing the newspaper at the bottom of the cage, perhaps?).

These days, huge parrot nests the “size of refrigerators” adorn poles throughout the town, wrapped around the comforting warmth of electrical transformers. Unfortunately, this results in occasional explosions and costly repairs. Not to mention the bother of constantly washing poop off of the municipality’s police cars.

The good news is that the parrots have become a magnet for bird watchers, and preside as the small town’s only tourist attraction. To offset the burden that these pesky-yet-popular mascots imposed on town finances, perhaps some enterprising exploitation is in order. It’s time to turn this two-bit tourist attraction into a money maker.

After all, other towns have used their own interactions with unusual wildlife to fuel fame and fortune. Olney, Illinois is officially “Home of the White Squirrels” (one of several claiming that distinction). Olney doesn’t simply host an abundant community of fluffy albino nut lovers; they sell souvenirs, including white chocolate squirrels, key chains, and hoodies (You can shop online here.).

And Hildago, another Texas town, turned their 1990 bout with killer bees (who crossed over the border from Mexico) into a positive celebration of these scary swarmers. Hildago has a $20,000 “World’s Largest Killer Bee” statue. Postcards are available, turning sting into bling.

Now if only someone could teach Everman’s wild parrots to ride bicycles, like the one at Sarasota Jungle Gardens and every other classic parrot show. But how about riding bikes on the telephone lines, between their transformer nests? Then you’d really have one amazing tourist attraction! [Post by Anne D. Bernstein]

Sections: Places
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Lucy In The Sky With Damage

November 9, 2009

Lucy The Margate Elephant, that great, grey, wide-window-eyed wonder of the Jersey shore, suffered serious injury this fall when strong September winds lifted a party tent up off its moorings and into the air and smashed it against Lucy’s pachyderm posterior. 86 tin panels were broken and now Lucy’s tail is being temporarily held in place by metal scaffolding and an oversized wooden splint.

Lucy’s repair bill is estimated to be about $45,000. Her insurance policy with Lloyd’s of London (which we’re sure is one of the more entertaining insurance policies around) had a $25,000 wind deductible, leaving a $20,000 tab needed to restore her rear end. Fundraising efforts are underway (donate here). You can also help fill her coffers by purchasing Lucy chachkas like magnets, erasers, and temporary tattoos at her online store.

Lucy has suffered many indignities in her long life, ever since her construction back in 1881, which was financed by real estate developer James Lafferty, who hoped that views from the 65-foot-tall unforgettable elephant would help him hawk lotsa lots of land. She’s been subject to natural wear and tear from salty breezes as well as damage from a hurricane, multiple floods, a lightning strike, and the theft of her tusks by rowdy pranksters with little respect for the integrity of amusing zoomorphic architectural wonders.

At least she escaped the fate of the East Coast’s two other grand elephant buildings: The Colossal Elephant of Coney Island was destroyed by fire in 1906 (after an infamous stint as a novelty brothel); the “Light of Asia” elephant in Cape May was torn down circa 1900.

Things were looking up for Lucy in recent years, after she recieved a $20,000 paint job and celebrated her 128th birthday back in July with a carnival, Lucy-shaped cake, and 3000 well-wishing visitors. But then inclement weather left her with an extra-large RX.

Perhaps a 10-foot-tall “Get Well” card is in order? [Post by Anne D. Bernstein]

Sections: Attraction News
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Parking Spots: House of Cars

November 1, 2009

Okay, so the National Building Museum could use a jazzier name (Architecturama?) and their new exhibit, “House of Cars: Innovation and the Parking Garage” (October 17-July 11), takes on a generally less-than-scintillating subject. But these car-crazy curators may have a point: this overlooked and much maligned practical urban necessity deserves a spot on the exhibition roster. For, as the press release states, “In a world without parking garages, parking lots would sprawl across our cities.” And that would be yucky.

Although many garages double as appalling eyesores, the show highlights innovative designs from such architect showboats as Frank Lloyd Wright and Eero Saarinen. It also touches upon the role of parking garages in popular culture, with appearances in All the President’s Men, Seinfeld, and way too many stock shoot-out scenes to possibly list.

If you’re in DC, make sure to check out the “automated hoist systems,” “an early time stamp machine,” and “a touchable model of a ramp system.” For those of you who wil not be pulling into the National Building Museum any time soon, here are RoadsideAmerica.com’s favorite garage destinations:

The most beautiful parking garage in America is the former Michigan Theater in Detroit. The elaborate French Renaissance interior was created in 1925 as a movie palace, complete with Wurlitzer organ and classy artwork imported from Europe. It later served as a concert hall until 1976. (Bowie, Kiss, and Aerosmith all performed there.) Most of the interior was gutted to create office building parking, although the incredibly ornate ceiling remains. You can see this auto wonderland in the Eminem movie 8 Mile.

In stark contrast, a modest 12-foot by 18-foot wooden garage in Palo Alto is recognized as California Historical Landmark Number 976 and the birthplace of Silicon Valley. This is where, in the late 1930’s, Bill Hewett and Dave Packard fiddled around with oscillators, before going on to grow their humble business into the computer behemoth it is today. The garage is not open to the public, although you can view it from the sidewalk (367 Addison Avenue) and peruse an informative plaque.

If you’re more body than mind, you may prefer to gaze at the former site of The Paradise Garage at 84 King Street in Manhattan. Imagine the sweat-soaked hoards of dance-crazy, disco-loving, partying revelers that packed the place from 1976-1987. It is now a pedestrian-looking Verizon Communications facility, and sadly, lacks a commemorative plaque. [Post by Anne D. Bernstein]

Sections: Events
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Flamingo Flap

October 29, 2009

The proud pink flamingo which adorned a steel fire escape above Baltimore’s Cafe Hon has triumphed in its bureaucratic battle with city officials.

Back in early October — after the decorative bird had spent about seven years minding its own business — city inspectors made a big stink over the giant pink waterfowl. A governmental brouhaha resulted from concerns that it was projecting “into the public right of way” (by how many inches exactly?). Therefore, the Department of General Services insisted that owner Denise Whiting apply for a serious-sounding “minor privilege permit” with an annual fee of $800.

Taking a principled stand (or perhaps courting a little extra free publicity), Whiting refused to go along and defiantly removed the gaudy icon from its public perch. This was not too difficult, as it was made out of a bed sheet and some chicken wire.

Eventually, the band of picky paper pushers backed down. Were they embarrassed by the way supportive media outlets flocked to the story? Or did they realize that putting an attention-getting, oversized animal in front of your business is enterprising capitalism at its best? (See Mainer C. Lobster in Woolwich, Maine or the angry giant badger head standing guard outside the Northern Exposure Gentleman’s Club in Birnamwood, WI.)

And Baltimore will always have a connection to Pink Flamingos by way of its native son, director John Waters, even though no Pink Flamingos appear in that internationally known (if not acclaimed)  film…

In any case, Whiting and the city reached an agreement on a reduced annual fee of $400. Plans are being made to create a new fiberglass version of the feathery feature and to proudly mount it above the Hampden neighborhood eatery, where it will hopefully hover forever, hon. [Post by Anne D. Bernstein]

Sections: Attraction News
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Tip O’ The Hat ‘N’ Boots

October 28, 2009

Lovers of down home colossal kitsch are kicking up their heels upon receiving news that the restoration of Seattle’s iconic Hat ‘n’ Boots is nearing completion. The well-loved, once derelict Western Wear trio is all spruced up and ready to serve as the centerpiece of Oxbow Park in suburban Georgetown. A few more coats of paint will be applied (”when weather permits” in Washington State’s rainy climate) and then Hat ‘n’ Boots’ decades-long saga of triumph, ruin, and redemption will finally have its happy ending.

Hat ‘n’ Boots was originally built in 1954 to serve as a novelty gas station. With its All-American pairing of gun-slinging and gas-guzzling, the eye-catching icon was intended to be part of a two million dollar cowboy-themed shopping center called Frontier Village, but that failed to pan out. Hat ‘n’ Boots then entered its heyday as the “Premium Tex” gas station, where attendants sported spiffy cowboy outfits. The hat shielded the pump station; the boots housed well-heeled restrooms.

By 1988 drivers had their fill of “Premium Tex”—construction of a new nearby Interstate Highway didn’t help matters. The pioneering petrol provider closed down.

Hat ‘n’ Boots began an era of neglect, its former plaster-and-chicken-wire grandeur (far less sturdy than those pyramids over in Egypt) beaten down by harsh weather and enterprising skateboarders fond of riding along its brim. But fans would not be thwarted and with can-do spirit and grant application genius they began a campaign to save the landmark, which took over two decades to pull off.

In 2002, the Georgetown Community Council bought it for $1 and the next year it was moved a few blocks north to its current location, a block-wide lot between a light industry and residential area. Nostalgia for 1950’s-style norms didn’t stand in the way of lead paint and asbestos abatement, and then a through rebuilding and repainting job could begin. The “Rise and Fall and Rise Again” of the Hat ‘n’ Boots was on its way!

Next on the agenda: Will someone please cough up the buckaroos to save Tex Randall? He’s the 47-foot-tall giant cowboy of Canyon, Texas. If no one moves him soon, the sun will set on his looming and leaning presence. Any and all offers will be considered, although the current owner wants nothing to do with PETA’s offer to lease him and turn him into a spokes-statue for their anti-leather campaign.

Sections: Attraction News
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