A rare artifact has been discovered and is on exhibit in Secret Caverns, Cobleskill, New York, reports veteran tour guide and billboard artist Todd DelMarter. Todd claims he discovered the "artifact" himself -- a pair of size-14 sneakers once worn by guide "Iggy" when chasing Hollywood star John Travolta.

"The incident happened in 1985," Todd said. "There was a loud party going on, and Travolta, who was visiting his grandma at her nearby camp at Bear Gulch Lake came over and tried to get it 'turned down.' Iggy refused, and chased John Travolta away (wearing the sneakers)."

John Travolta has often been portrayed as a tough and strong individual. Even during his fallow career decade (between "Carrie" and "Pulp Fiction" -- the 1980s) he would have been a formidable presence. It was as if the sneakers were magical, propelling a righteous Iggy and driving away his tormentor, the famous actor.

The sneakers are on display deep within Secret Caverns, past the Holy Family formation. Todd notes that any guide knows where they are and can lend more detail to their amazing tale.

John Travolta starred in a hit film in 1996 -- "Michael" -- which inaccurately portrayed roadside attractions. Todd McMarter and fellow guides recently starred in the miraculous rebirth and recovery of Secret Caverns, after a devastating and suspicious fire destroyed the historic lodge. There is no word on the current doings of "Iggy." [06/07/1998]

November 26, 2009