IT HAS BEEN CALLED THE WORLD'S LARGEST INDOOR MINIATURE VILLAGE. Click LIKE is you have fond memories of Roadside America growing up as a child or visiting there with your children & grandchildren.
Laurence Gieringer's lifetime labor of love began to take shape in the early 30s during the depths of the Great Depression. His growing train & miniature train display was a hit wherever it was located. In 1939, it was located in the carousel building at the defunct Carsonia Park near Reading.
In late 1940 Gieringer bought a piece of land in Shartlesville & began construction of a warehouse-size building to house his display. Roadside America opened in 1953 & it celebrated its 60th birthday last year. Gieringer passed away in 1963 & Roadside America is currently operated by his granddaughter & family.
The 8,000 square foot miniature display contains 18 trains, trolleys, & cable cars; 300 miniature structures, 4,000 miniature people, 10,000 hand-made trees, & 600 mini lights.
The display is constructed with
21,500 feet of electrical wiring
17,700 board feet of lumber
6,000 feet of building paper
4,000 feet of sheet metal under the plaster work
2,250 feet of railroad track
648 feet of canvas for waterproofing
450 feet of pipe
18,000 pounds of plaster
4,000 pounds of sheet iron
900 pounds of nails
600 pounds of rubber roofing material
75 pounds of dry paint
75 gallons of liquid paint
225 bushels of moss
25 bags of cement
Three barrels of screened sawdust
Three barrels of tar
1 of my fondest memories growing up was my parents taking my brother & I to Roadside America during the holiday season. I'm certain many of you will agree. More info about Roadside America can be found at: http://roadsideamericainc.com/
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