A Sunday Drive: Roadside America

Just outside Shartlesville, Pa., is a tiny slice of Americana. Roadside America, a miniature town featuring O-gauge trains and handmade buildings, transports visitors to a simpler time. Lawrence Gieringer's tiny town, which opened in 1953, continues to offer surprises around every corner. Lee Cowan pays a visit.
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[@richardtomlinson6301]

To me, Roadside America is one of the greatest attractions ever. It simply drips with nostalgia and love of the older days that might be beyond us now. It's proof that we had and, can still have a wonderful country. Doc South

[@Britcarsmgb]

So sad that Roadside America is gone. A huge piece of roadside history, the pinnacle of nostalgia - gone. I grew up going here. My Grandfather produced some of the original advertising art. I supported it every year and encouraged people to go. So sad.

[@patriciaburke2401]

It’s history! This would be a wonderful resource for teachers. Wouldn’t it be great to pair senior citizens with students, so they could explain how life used to be? I’m a retired teacher who would have loved taking my students on a field trip to see this amazing sight! Surely hope it continues to be shared. I think he would have loved for all of the children to see the results of his labor; his ART! Thanks for sharing this wonderful talent!

[@NoahsNam]

My husband went here as a kid. We brought our son, and are hoping to bring our grandkids. We still visit. Wish we could take it over, but we haven't got the "deep pockets" needed. I love her expression, "comfort food for the soul". That's what it feels like to us. Those "simpler times" need to be experienced.

[@AngelaSealana]

What a national treasure.

[@CatonaWall175]

Amazing. I hope it is preserved.It would be a real shame if it disappeared.

[@ronren6774]

Closed permanently and sold, new owners have announced an auction to liquidate the assets. Terrible News.

[@CatonaWall175]

@@ronren6774 That's a real shame and I am sorry to hear it. Have a nice Christmas.

[@annf1804]

My family visited Roadside America when we were kids. Wonderful memories!

[@David-se2vg]

My dad took us to roadside america and I loved it especially when they turn the lights out its just beautiful feels like a living breathing village

[@nancydrake423]

I was there several times as a child. It was wonderful

[@lachrymarum_]

the world lost a little bit of magic with roadside america's closing 😢

[@Eric-kf6dy]

Sounds like location is a huge issue ... if it was in Branson or Pigeon Forge I bet the parking lot would be full.

[@MrOsukid98]

R.I.P....wish it could have been saved.😪🤧

[@jobrakai9395]

It’s such a heartbreak this place is no more, damn COVID mandates. Went here on my first field trip in Kindergarten all the way back in 98. Such a different world now. Thank you guys for making my childhood awesome

[@huntercoleman460]

Least we still have the Choo Choo Barn. Ever been there?

[@jobrakai9395]

@@huntercoleman460 No. What’s it like in there?

[@huntercoleman460]

@@jobrakai9395 it’s similar to Roadside America except smaller. It’s in Strasburg.

[@mikejordan8259]

I've been to Roadside America many times as a Child but not recently. I would love to go back again all these years later. What a Great Place.

[@Yeti570]

They just closed !! So sad I never got to see it myself.

[@thomashanley3537]

Makes me CRY ..I was there about 20 years ago ...LOVED LOVEd LOVED IT

[@johnmiddleton3003]

One of my most pleasant memories ever. Visit and be awed...

[@aljonvega6920]

I found this on Reddit... This gold

[@Lock7272]

I wish I had the resources to buy it! I wonder if she has explored forming a non profit organization to own it? Or reaching out to the toy train community to seek resources? I'm sure she has...... I'm adding this to my punch list if I ever get that way!

[@bedminstereric]

Sad, but Roadside America closed and all of the buildings and trains were auctioned off a few years ago.

[@hmmmmm6243]

So sad that it closed. She must have been broken hearted that it was broken up and auctioned off in pieces. Very, very sad.

[@Lrigyttiw]

I've been there three times. It's one of my favorite places.

[@MuppetCore]

I get paid next week, just hold off a minute!

[@MarcusLeepapi]

To good….Thank you...

[@Smokeybeesnatural]

She should contact enter-train-ment junction, just north of Cincinnati.

[@juanmonge8]

Visited about 20 years ago. Drove up from Virginia yesterday. It is nice to see again. Maybe the Smithsonian institute would take it and preserve it.

[@arielfilmsinc1926]

well they DIDN'T hope to get SOMETHING from it myself

[@robertrowland1061]

Elon Musk, are you aware of this?

[@kennyburns8511]

Do they have truck parking nearby? As a former driver...that would have been nice to see...with a little forethought of a driver's needs...just saying

[@drewhendley]

Cmon ride the train it’s the Choo Choo

[@wilfred8326]

Does anyone know if it has been sold or what the asking price is?

[@arielfilmsinc1926]

its gone trains next

[@philipmclaughlin9636]

Permanently closed :-(

[@Hendo56]

Closed permanently now, due to COVID and low attendance.

[@philipmclaughlin9636]

And everything was auctioned off. That lady must have been devastated :-(

[@keithjohnson5398]

Noticed they have a kickstarter to raise funds - kickstarter.com/projects/650192169/a-new-life-for-roadside-america

[@arielfilmsinc1926]

did nt work UNFORTUNATELY

[@arielfilmsinc1926]

Hopefully ifI CAN WIN one of those Mega Million jackpots REST ASSURED I WILL DO MY BEST TO SAVE IT but...…….

[@bobjones5869]

Comment

[@leslieelaine5968]

She really turned on the waterworks for the cameras.

[@wilfred8326]

I feel the same way, and its not mine! To her it's her Grandfather! It shouldn'tn't just be Cast-aside but at the same time she "just can't do it anymore" because "it is hard work" ..... A labor of love is still labor! I think she is looking at the writing on the wall and knows to choose an Army saying "it's time to "Hang up the boots."

[@Edwardsjm]

Sell it to the Chinese

[@bkbland1626]

Meh, don't care.