Newville, Pennsylvania: Tiny World (In Transition)
Ernest Helm built a town in miniature -- for his cats. He died in October 2015 and his family maintained the complex of tiny buildings, decorating them with lights for the holiday season. Tiny World closed in October 2024; all of the buildings were then purchased and moved to Newville.
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Tiny World is very run down and creepy. Like "look over your shoulder" creepy. It's clear no upkeep's been done lately. And to make it worse, after about 40 minutes wandering and looking at it, we found a "closed, no trespassing" sign that had fallen down. Worth a visit but not sure it'll be there much longer.
[M, 09/11/2010]Tiny World is still standing, but it doesn't look like anyone has paid much attention to it in a few years. For the most part, the tiny buildings are all in good shape, but most of them are covered in spider webs and most have collected a build-up of dead leaves and other bits o'nature.
It appears as if at one time there were tiny street lights that lined the paths of Tiny World. Most of these lights are knocked down or gone. The amount of wires running through the park suggests that some of the scenes were animated or lighted, but there was no animation of any sort on this July afternoon. What stands now is almost an eerie mini-ghost town, although you are not really alone. The whole layout sits in someone's backyard. It's inviting enough to wander through on your own, but the back end of the trail will take you right next to their pool and patio. Very cool. I'm glad I took the time to find it!
[Ed South, 07/14/2010]
I was happy to see that Tiny World was still here. The last Roadside America posting for it was several years ago. The town is in good repair and it was amazing to see all the detail that the builder put into this place. I especially liked looking in the windows of the schoolhouse and seeing tiny desks, each with a picture of a child on the desk. The firehouse was cool, too.
[Cris Swanlund, 10/19/2008]Tiny World was just as amazing as we remembered as kids. [During the holidays] it was PACKED with people and so festive. A must if you are in the area!
[Anne, 12/29/2006]
Tiny World looks a little ragged these days. We didn't see anyone the good hour and a half that we were there. Buildings are starting to show signs of rot and decay, and were covered in spider webs and dirt. It's still a wonderful spot, but it is a little disheartening to see the disrepair.
Christmas has never left the tiny town, and lights dangle from various buildings while decorations adorn doorsteps and store fronts.
[Nathan Miner, 11/09/2006][Previous 5 items] Page of 4 [Next 1 items]
Tiny World
- Directions:
- Benchfield Farms. 4.5 miles west of Newville, on the south side of Gameland Rd.
- Hours:
- Holiday season only. (Call to verify)
- Phone:
- 717-269-8554
- Status:
- In Transition
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There used to be a seasonal effort to refurbish and power holiday lighting, but it sound like that has ceased for now.