The giant shoe was built in 1948 for Mahlon Haines as an advertisement for his shoe company. It has five stories, three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, and a living room. In the beginning Haines gave away free weekend stays for elderly couples, then free stays for newlyweds, and eventually rented it out to the public. Since Haines death in 1962 there have been at least six owners who have operated it as a tourist attraction and ice cream shop. It was closed the day we visited so we could only see it from the gate.
The ice cream shop is accessible but rest of the shoe is not.
The parking lot is small. The website states “Buses please back in at the entrance gate in the grassy area - this will allow an easier exit for you! Our gates don't allow much room for buses or rvs.” Shoe 39.99894, -76.63729
Saw this just today on a PBS program about The Lincoln Highway.
ReplyDeleteCool! I've been thinking about a trip along the entire length of the Lincoln Highway. Such a big commitment for us because we're never sure where we'll be from day to day. :-D
DeleteWe visited this about ten years ago,with friends from York Pennsylvania. We could only see it from the outside. Safe travels.
ReplyDeleteAwww, too bad you didn't get to see the inside
DeleteI love stuff like this. There are too many boring buildings.
ReplyDeleteWe'll always drive a little out of our way to see stuff like this. :-)
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