Centralia, Washington: Giant Pencil (Gone)

It is with mixed emotions that I write this. I am the crazy guy who built the pencil. I have enjoyed meeting the many people who have spotted it on Roadside America and have stopped by for a visit. I have met folk from many countries and cities from all over the United States. Roadside America has been a wonderful source of enjoyment for me and for so many of the visitors to my pencil -- thanks!

This spring, I sold my business. The new owners have moved the business from "my house" and left the pencil behind for a few months. Today, they came to get the pencil. They are remodeling a building in a neighboring community, and the pencil will become a focal point for their new building and will continue attracting people to our area.

Visited on Sunday when the school was closed, which made the pencil perfect for lots of pictures. Visible from the street, and street parking is available.

The Giant Pencil was all decorated for the holidays.

The Giant Pencil has returned and it looks sharper than ever! After rainwater seeped into the eraser, it ran down the inside of its cedar barrel and attacked the glue in the original plywood tip.

The pencil was removed for sharpening and reconstruction. It now has a new and improved eraser, making the top weatherproof. It also has a solid wooden tip made with waterproof glue, tipped with a point made from a vintage organ pipe.

There is a smaller pencil nearby made entirely from another vintage pipe organ! The inside of the house is filled with many more wonderful oddities. If you see the "Open" sign, go in and see if you can get a tour.

The Giant Pencil is being sharpened! The original plywood tip failed due to water seeping in from the top of the pencil and washing out the glue. A new and improved tip is on its way. The pencil will be back in place soon!