Hollywood Sign
Just like Lucy The Elephant, the Hollywood sign was built to attract home buyers. It was constructed in 1923 at a cost of $21,000 and, originally, was intended to last 1 1/2 years. Numerous and frequent repairs had to be made, including in 1947 when the word “land” was removed. A completely new, concrete version replaced the old sign in 1978 at a cost of $250,000. The first photo is dated 1935.
Meramec Caverns
Meramec Caverns, located in Stanton, MO., were built about 400 million years ago (give or take). At 4.6 miles in length, it is the largest cave west of the Mississippi River. Three hundred feet from the entrance is a 50′ x 50′ room that began use as a ballroom in the 1890s. Another prominent feature is the formation known as the “Stage Curtain.” It is 70′ high, 60′ wide, and 35′ thick. Amazingly it is the largest single cave feature in the world and is older than the Grand Canyon! The Caverns true size became known in the 1940s and barns in 14 states soon had signs painted on them advertising the site. That soon grew to 400 barns in 40 states after it opened as a tourist attraction in 1935. Seventy-five of those barn signs remain. The first and third photos are undated.
Paul Bunyon and Babe
The Paul Bunyon and Babe the Big Blue Ox statues were built in 1937 in Bemidji, MN, as part of a winter carnival to promote tourism. There are about 14 versions of these statues in the US. The first photo is dated 1945.
Airplane Gas Station
Located in Powell, TN, this airplane gas station was built in 1931 and was inspired by Lindbergh’s plane The Spirit of St. Louis. The gas station operated for 35 years then served as several commercial ventures. It was abandoned and almost totally destroyed but was saved in 2003 with a $100,000 renovation. It is currently a barber shop. The first photo is dated 1931.
Haines Shoe House
The Haines Shoe House is located in Hallam, PA, and was completed in 1949 by Mahan Haines, who called himself “The Shoe Wizard.” He never lived there, but he used it as a promotional prize for his own lottery at his chain of shoe stores. The lucky winners could stay a week and enjoy a chef, chauffeur, and maid. The shoe is currently open for tours and ice cream. The first photo is dated 1948.
Tea Pot Gas Station
The Tea Pot gas station was built in Zillah, WA, in 1922 as a reminder of the Tea Pot Dome Scandal. In 1978 it was relocated one mile down the new highway and operated there until 2006. In 2012 , it was renovated, moved again, and is now Zillah’s visitor center. The first photo is dated 1925.
