Roadside GIANT: Quarter Everett, Pennsylvania

A drive along the historic Lincoln Highway can be quite pleasurable, as well as quite mundane. But along this historic heritage a few towns are trying to catch a bit of attention. Constructing roadside giants along the path allows travelers a chance for unique photo opportunities and for towns to get a little recognition.

In 2008 the small municipality of Everett, Pennsylvania had their roadside giant constructed. Standing 20 feet tall and weighing in at 1,600 pounds it's surely gotta be one of the largest quarters in the country. The sculpture was created in the local town of Bedford. Area students from the local technical institute helped in the creating process, as well as other local manufacturing facilities. The construction took a period of three days.

The quarter was chosen because of George Washington's ties to the county. He would often spend evenings in the county, as well as frequent local pubs and establishments. Another roadside giant accompanies the quarter in this rural county. The giant coffee pot in Bedford, Pennsylvania is located on a few miles away. Now if only there was a way to get a cup of coffee for a quarter.

"Dawn of the Dead" Mall

"Slow down, will you wait for me?" I hear echoing through the parking lot.
I turn around to notice my companion lagging far behind, as I briskly rushed to the mall's entry way. I'm not a big fan of shopping, there were no great going out of business sales, yet I made a special detour on our trip to visit this commercial haven.
As I approached the staff elevator I could barely contain myself. I felt like a giddy young boy getting a peep at my first nudie magazine. Or a horror geek posing by a photo of the Godfather of the zombie film, George Romero, which I was! On the wall are various other photos taken during the filming of the horror classic, paying homage to both the mall and the movie.
The Monroeville Mall, on the outskirts of Pittsburgh, played a central character in the movie "Dawn of the Dead." George Romero used the mall as a safe haven for our protagonists, while feeding on our needs for consumerism and gore, I'm still not sure which is the more disturbing habit. Unfortunately most of the mall has been made over tremendously since the filming took place here in 1977, but the die hard fans are sure to still recognize some similarities. The mall still gladly embraces it's unusual fame and recognition, just pay a visit to the Monroeville Zombies attraction in the mall and see for yourself!

Yuengling Brewery History

When David Yuengling began brewing beer in his home in Germany, I’m sure he had no idea what his legacy would be. After Mr. Yuengling and his family immigrated to the United States, he would change America forever. In 1829, he started the Eagle Brewery on Centre Street in Pottsville, Pennsylvania. But things weren’t easy. In a short 2 years the brewery was destroyed by a fire. Refusing to give up, Mr. Yuengling relocated to Mahantongo Street in Pottsville, and strive to bring his dream to fruition.In 1873, his son Frederick joined forces with David and the brewery changed their name to D.G. Yuengling and Son, still keeping the recognized eagle that emblazoned their products. From here Yuengling would grow rather quickly. By 1895 they had started a bottling operation. Throughout the years and family passings, the brewery continued to thrive, while still maintaining their family roots.

But things were soon going to get tough. In 1919 when Prohibition was passed, the family legacy of Yuengling almost came to an end. But thanks to some quick thinking, the brewery found a few ways to survive. They started brewing near beers, essentially a nonalcoholic brew, but what may have saved the brewery was an idea to make ice cream. They purchased a separate building across the street from the brewery, where the tasty treat was made.

On the brewery’s 100^th anniversary in 1929, the closest thing to beer they were brewing was their near beer. But when Prohibition ended in 1933, it didn’t take long for Yuengling to get rolling again. They sent a special batch of beer to President Roosevelt. Finally, Yuengling was able to get back to doing what it does best, brew beer. From this moment on there was no more looking back. As the brewery kept with its great, long, traditional recipes, its fan base continued to grow. In 1976, the brewery was recognized as being the nation’s oldest brewery. And in 1985, they were placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

But Yuengling had another drastic change shortly thereafter. In 1987 due to a larger demand for darker beers, the brewery reintroduced their lager. This would forever change the brewery. The continued growth and success only kept the family ties stronger.Today the lager brand is so popular, folks in the Mid-Atlantic states need only ask the barkeep for a lager and, without a second thought, will be poured a nice cold Yuengling.

Flight 93 Memorial

September 11, 2001 is a day that will live in the hearts and minds of Americans forever. Anyone who experienced that tragic day can quickly attest to exactly what they were doing, or where they were, when they discovered the devastating news. But as the years slowly slip past we quietly remember the heroes and victims of that horrific day less and less.

Slowly memorials have been sprouting up throughout the country to forever memorialize the victims. One of the first makeshift memorials appeared near the small rural town of Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Since the attack visitors have been placing mementos and memorabilia to honor those who bravely gave their lives to protect others. Over a remote field, in the middle of farmland, the actions of a few helped to save the lives of thousands.

The brave members of that fateful flight are now forever commemorated in a flight 93 memorial. After years of designing, controversy, and building, the commemorative memorial was opened on the eve of the 10 year anniversary. The monument pays tribute to the 40 individuals who fought back when their freedoms were restricted, forever commemorating their heroic actions and allowing us to never forget!

The Cup

While traveling to the Ringing Rocks park and roller rink you're likely to pass a wondrous roadside oddity. A cup shaped building with a straw protruding out of the top.

These unique stores were originally built in the early 1940's for Levengood Dairies. The local dairy had the buildings constructed to help sell their dairy products. Originally there were four "cups" throughout the area. Boyertown, Pennsburg, and Reading were home to the other three.
Though they don't seem to hold the same vintage charm as the one in Pottstown. Though that's all quite likely to change, as this location is now currently for sale. Maybe we could make it our home office!

Ringing Rocks Park & Rink

There's a mystical park near the small town of Pottstown where you're gonna wanna visit with a hammer in hand. The Ringing Rocks Park has been baffling curious visitors for centuries. When you smack one of the rocks in the boulder field you're likely to get two results, a deadening sound you'd expect, or a ringing bell sound you wouldn't expect. The various rocks each emit a different vibrant tone. Similar parks have been used to hold music festivities. Musicians will actually play the rocks while accompanied with other instruments.

On Outta the Way's visit we brought along several different size hammers. We noticed each hammer rang out a different chime on the same rock. The locals in the area have been generous enough to tag the rocks which make the best sounds. I must admit they're very good at pointing you to the prime rocks, though their art skills could use some work!

After ringing some rocks be sure to visit the retro style roller skating rink nearby. The old time rink has been entertaining the locals for decades. Ringing rocks and retro roller rinks sounds like a perfect day going Outta the Way!

For more on Ringing Rocks and other nearby Outta the Way places.

Twin Covered Bridges

If you're looking for one of the most unique covered bridges in the world, you can find it in the county of Columbia in Pennsylvania.

The county boasts 23 covered bridges, the third most of any county in Pennsylvania, which has more than any other state. However none of the bridges are as exquisite as the East and West Paden covered bridges. These two unmatched bridges were built in 1850 by W.C. Pennington. Both of these magnificent marvels are the Burr-Arch design, a very popular design used on numerous covered bridges in Pennsylvania. The twin bridges were named for a local sawmill operator named John Paden. The two bridges cross over the Huntington creek. The smaller East Paden bridge, measures only 79 feet long, while the larger West Paden bridge measures 103 feet long. Both bridges were built for a paltry $720.00. The bridges were used for transportation purposes for a little over a century.

In 1962 the county began preservation efforts after the bridges began to weather away. By 1963, they were left open only for foot traffic.

The original bridges were restored and left intact until 45 years later when in 2006 a torrential flood washed away the original West Paden covered bridge. The county struck back as hard as the storm that washed away their history. In 2008 the West Paden bridge was finished and re-opened. Thanks to the hard work of the county these engineering marvels are still standing for all to enjoy. The twin bridges are now a part of a county park and have the distinction of being the only twin covered bridges in the United States.

The park is quite peaceful and serene, allowing you to emancipate yourself in all the surrounding beauty, both natural and man made!

Zine featuring Twin Bridges and other local Outta the Way spots.
Video of Twin Bridges

"Suffer the Little Children" of Pennhurst

I'm not the type of person who is easily offended. I've seen many of what are considered the most disturbing films of all time, most without so much as a slight grimace. I understand that the graphic images depicted in these films are not real and are strickly for entertainment, even if it's entertaining minds as twisted as mine. But none of these films would prepare me for the disturbing images I witnessed in Bill Baldini's shocking expose, "Suffer the Little Children", showing firsthand the patients at Pennhurst State School and Hospital. These children and adults were ostracized from society in order to help protect us, but who was there to help protect the children from society?

Schuylkill County Prison and The Mollie Maguires.

Not too far from the Yuengling brewery in Pottsville lies a castle of solitude. The Schuylkill county prison was originally built in Orwigsburg in 1814. After some expansions and renovations it became too small and was changed into a school house. In 1851 the prison moved to it's current location in Pottsville. Completed with a castle facade, it was surely meant to intimidate.

The prison consisted of 38 cells, each cell holding 2 inmates. In 1876 a new addition was added to the fortress. A total of 86 new cells along with 6 solitary confinement cells in the basement were added. The following year the prison would gain much of it's infamy. On June 21, 1877 the largest mass execution in Pennsylvania history would take place. Six Mollie Maguires were hung at the prison, while another four were executed at the prison in Mauch Chunk. All ten men proclaimed their innocence. The whole history of the Mollie Maguires is shrouded in much doubt and full of conspiracies through large coal companies. In order to accommodate the hangings the Schuylkill county prison had a six man gallow built, though they opted to hang the men two at a time instead of all six at once. On the night of the executions miners and their families gathered outside the prison in silence to claim the innocence of the lives that would be lost here.

The county of Schuylkill executed a total of sixteen people by 1911, including nine Mollie Maguires. The state took control over all executions in 1911, though none remain as controversial as the ones that took place on that early summer evening in 1877.

Haunted VanSant Covered Bridge

Hidden on the back roads of Bucks county, Pennsylvania sits a seemingly pleasant covered bridge. Truth is the VanSant covered bridge is thought to be one of the most haunted spots in the commonwealth. Many paranormal investigators have spent late evenings here gathering data. Throughout the bridge cold spots have been felt, cries heard, and apparitions spotted. So why all the paranormal activity?

Many urban legends haunt this bridge. It's said a man murdered a woman and her child on the bridge and now she haunts the area mourning the loss of her child. Others think it's the murderer who's still hanging around, literally. There have been reports of groups seeing an apparition hanging by a noose from the rafters. It was thought the murderer was subsequently hung here for his heinous crime.

Other local legend's say the woman drowned her children herself, after giving birth at a young age and out of wedlock. This particular legend is fairly common folklore for many rural covered bridges. Earning them the nickname "cry-baby bridges," this is due to the fact it's said you can hear baby's cries as you pass over the bridge.

The bridge is also very close to Washington's Crossing, which played a major role in the Revolutionary War, though many men perished in this area due to influenza and other illnesses. So is it the spirit of a murdered woman folks see, and the cries of her children they hear? Or maybe a criminal who was hung here for his past crimes, or perhaps it's the spirit of a fallen soldier crying out his last gasps of life vowing to never be forgotten.

Logan Inn & Haunted Room 6 New Hope, Pennsylvania

New Hope, Pennsylvania is thought by many paranormal investigators to be the most haunted town in America. But there's one room in the town even the bravest fear. At the historic Logan Inn room 6 holds much mystique and intrigue. The room is haunted by a former innkeeper who lost the inn due to an outstanding debt. The woman who's thought to haunt the inn is forever remembered with her portrait, which hangs right outside of room 6. But many remember her more for paying them visits in the dead of night.

Guests who have spent the night in the notorious room 6 have reported smells of lavender, which was a favorite perfume of the former owner. Other nighttime visitors have noticed cold spots, hand prints on walls, and have seen phantom reflections in mirrors. Other overnighters haven't quite made it till dawn. For there are far more tales of those running out in the middle of the night, preferring to not spend another evening in the fabled room 6 of the Logan Inn.

Haunted Town of New Hope, Pennsylvania

The small town of New Hope, Pennsylvania in Bucks county is rich in history, which in return leads to ghost tales. The fact is the town is thought to be the most haunted in America. Numerous ghost sightings have been spotted around town. Perhaps they're attributed to a young man who was killed while hitch-hiking. His spirit has been seen late at night wandering the streets still looking for a ride.

There's even tales of one of the towns most famous artist still roaming around near his home on Mechanic street. He's also been spotted along the canal towpath. Though there's an even more famous ghost thought to haunt this area. Aaron Burr, the one time Vice- President, who was indicted on murder charges. He hid out in the town of New Hope shortly after his infamous duel with Alexander Hamilton. His spirit has been seen along the side streets and several taverns in the area.

Men aren't the only ones haunting this small town. The Inn at Phillips Mill has had reports of seeing a woman dressed in Victorian garb roaming the stairways and hallways. And at the now closed Odette's restaurant there are tales of a woman who was murdered here. Throughout the restaurant there were unexplainable cold spots and ghostly voices heard, and even the aroma of perfume constantly permeating around. Leaving few to wander if there's any doubt that this town is one of the most haunted in America.

Haunted and Historic in Bucks County Pennsylvania

In the May zine of Outta the Way we'll take you on a historic and haunted trip through Bucks county, Pennsylvania. We'll take you on a tour through historic Washington's crossing, on the banks of the Delaware river. Learn all about the significance of the town and what it was like before a famed General put it on the map.

We'll take a stroll through a covered bridge shrouded in mystery and despair. Tales of hangings and drownings surround the bridge. Maybe you'll hear the screams of children as you pass through, or perhaps see glimpses of a hangman's noose dangling from the rafters above.

We'll even stop into a haunted inn, where you can spend the evening if your so brave enough. If you're susceptible enough you may catch the faint smell of lavender from a previous owner, who's been dead for over 100 years. You may even be paid a visit in the middle of the night from a brave, fallen Revolutionary war hero. Don't say you weren't warned. Now get outta the way 'cause we're going Outta the Way!

Historic Mt. Gretna, Pennsylvania

Mt. Gretna is a small town of historic homes and cottages. Founded in the 1890's by the Pennsylvania Chatauqua Society. They were naturally attracted by the beauty of the area. They found the town to be perfect for a summer day, fortunately so did the rest of the country. At one time you could travel to this quiet community by train from anywhere in the country.

As the town grew so did the aspirations of the townsfolk. There were the beginnings of an amusement park. There was a carousel, a dancing pavilion, and even a roller coaster. This in turn led to restaurants, shops, and hotels. Unfortunately most places had perished by the 1920's. During World War 2 the area almost reached abandonment.

Today Mt. Gretna is once again thriving. Many accredit that to their award winning art show, started in 1976. There is still plenty to keep everyone active, from cross-country skiing in the winter, to lakeside swimming. Spending a day in Mt. Gretna will make you feel that life is a whole lot simpler.

Centralia, Pennsylvania: The End

The already nearly abandoned town of Centralia is getting a little smaller. Since the underground mine fire started in 1962, the once prominent town of nearly 1500 has been slowly dwindling. Most residents moved out in the 1970's and 1980's. In 1991 the state bought all the remaining properties. Initially the townspeople were allowed to stay as long as they kept up on their property taxes. Now the state is forcing the few remaining citizens out.
On a recent visit to Centralia we saw only one home standing. A lot of the small town charm the town once held seems to be stripped away like the coal seams that brought the town to life.
Go Outta the Way and get a last look at this nearly abandoned ghost town sinking closer to it's demise.

Abandoned Michter's Distillery

Outside of Schaefferstown, Pennsylvania lies an abandoned whiskey distillery shrouded in mystery. Once one of the top distilleries in the country. The Michter's distillery now sits empty, crumbling away to the environment. The company had been facing hard times since the 1980's. Sometime between 1989 and 1991 all the employees and staff just left. They also left behind expensive equipment and over 300,000 barrels of whiskey. Why would they just this historical distillery and abandon all the equipment? This may be a question that never gets answered.

I Survived Three Mile Island

    Early morning in March of 1979 the greatest fear in the nuclear era almost became a reality. The unit 2 reactor on Three Mile Islands power plant almost suffered a meltdown. After a few panic stricken days and not much word on what was happening, citizens of the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania area began to flee. 140,000 citizens evacuated the area due to fears of radiation leakage. Even minute levels of exposure to radiation can cause birth defects and cancer.
    Eventually the plant was deemed safe and no reports of radiation leaks were reported. However after subsequent investigations it was deemed the accident was much worse than originally thought. What transpired in the early hours of that fateful day and the days that followed are sure to always be remembered by those who survived T.M.I. . For more about T.M.I. and the meltdown or other local spots of strange interest go Outta the Way.

Shoofly pie, Ice cream & beer! Vol.9

Shoofly pie
Originally uploaded by B.B. Bellezza

While traveling the highways and by-ways of Lancaster county, searching the covered bridges. We encourage you to visit these local favorites.

Located along route 30 in Ronks, you'll find America's best shoofly pie. What trip to Amish country would be complete without this sweet treat. Since 1946 Dutch Haven has been dishing out this local favorite. If you have any doubts it's the best in America, they'll quickly put those to rest once you taste the free samples. Finding Dutch Haven is easy, just look for the big windmill. Walking out without a pie, that's about impossible.

If your sweet tooth is still craving, you can take a step back into time at the Strasburg Creamery. Resembling a Victorian era ice cream parlor,the creamery is a family favorite. Besides all the nostalgia, they dish out some of the best ice cream around. Whether your having an apple dumpling sundae, or the homemade E.T. special in a handmade waffle cone, no sweet tooth will leave unsatisfied. The creamery is located on 1 W. Main st. Strasburg, Pa.

After all those treats you may need something to wash it all down with. Located on Main street in Conestoga lies the Spring House Brewery. Basically a one man brewery with quite a following. Is there a better way to wash down shoofly pie and E.T. ice cream than with a Kerplunk chocolate stout? In the mood for something less sweet? Spring House offers the Seven Gates Pale Ale. The beer is named for a local urban legend.(see Outta the Way Vol. 2) At Spring House they're also brewing up a red ale, summer ale, a double IPA, and the more unique coffee stout. The hours of the brewery vary, though it is open most Saturday afternoons.

All of the places mentioned you will pass if you take the covered bridge driving tour provided in Volume 9 of Outta the Way.