With the rise of automobile travel in the early part of the 20th century, so came the rise of novelty architecture and attempts to attract motorists into businesses along the road. Travelers through Bedford, Pennsylvania may notice this giant coffee pot which is a remnant of that era.
Built in 1927, this coffee pot was a gimmick to draw customers to a service station and restaurant owned by David Bert Koontz. According to a historic marker next to the coffee pot, the early menu included hamburgers, ice cream and Coca Cola. Not only did this quick fare appeal to motorists on the Lincoln Highway, Greyhound passengers took advantage as well when they stopped at the bus depot next door.
It was actually built in another location than its current one but was purchased by the Bedford County Fair Association, relocated to the county fairgrounds, and restored for future generations to enjoy. That was in 2004.
At 18 feet high and 22 feet in diameter, it’s hard to miss and a real treat for us vintage roadside junkies who pretty much live for this kind of thing.
You can’t go inside anymore but it’s free to walk around outside. Here’s a fun fact: if you filled it with coffee, it would hold 819,000 8 ounce cups of coffee!
While it doesn’t serve coffee, it does serve a great lesson in roadside history and the value of creative marketing during the early days of car travel.
Good morning! It’s Monday. Let’s attack this day like a giant gorilla on the side of the King Kone in Cassadaga, New York.
Last week’s meandering journey to Marietta and Woodsfield began with a stop at Ohio’s smallest church.
The church has suffered theft and damages but it remains accessible. It’s just across the road from the rest area on Route 50 near Coolville in Athens County. Look for it and stop by for a reminder of a simpler time when churches needed no locks and spiritual needs were more important than amenities.
Have you ever slept in a wigwam?
The wigwam we stayed in, pictured above, felt a bit like a time capsule. Not many changes had been made over the decades. I loved the tile work and the unusual shape of the room. I felt like an adventurer here.