Abandoned Cypress Knee Museum

Exploring the now closed and abandoned Cypress Knee Museum by Thomas “Tom” Gaskins. Tom took an interest in the knees of cypress trees in 1938 by boiling and carving them into shapes with labels identifying what they signified.
In 1951, he acquired land from the Lyke Bros Company for basically a handshake ($15/yr), and opened this open-air museum so he could display his works. The museum was featured on the Sally Jessie Rafael, Jay Leno and Johnny Carson talk shows. He turned down an invite by David Letterman because he thought he was too mean.
Across the road from the museum, Tom hand-built a rickety boardwalk out of 2x4s that spanned 3/4s of a mile and told people that if they fall in, just to push the gators aside. He also hand-built his own billboards out of cypress wood along US 27 to advertise his roadside attraction.
Tom Gaskins retired in 1998 leaving the museum to his son, Tom Jr. After this time, new government wetland laws prohibited cutting cypress knees. This prompted thieves to break into the museum to steal most of the displays in 2000. The museum closed right after the break-in and has sat abandoned since.
There was a small building adjacent to the museum where Tom Gaskin’s likely resided during his time here. I wanted to explore it but it was just too overgrown for my liking in Florida. I’m not a fan of snakes. Tom Gaskins had stated himself that the museum had a lot of snakes that would climb into the exhibits, and that was while they were in business. I can imagine how many snakes are residing there now that it’s abandoned in the thick underbrush in 2019.
Photos: State Library & Archives of Florida - www.floridamemory.com
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[@TikiTrex]

Thanks so much for all of your warm welcoming heart-felt comments! I really appreciate your continued following considering I now only explore occasionally. Your support means a lot to me and the channel. Love you all. ❤️Happy Thanksgiving to my U.S. subscribers. 🦃🙂

[@EllicottCity1]

Would love to see more!! Hope that you are doing well & staying safe😊

[@victoriaburkett6773]

Hope all is well. I love your videos. You should look into reading like bedtime stories on KZbin, I love your voice, it is relaxing. I've watched just about every video so far. Hope to see more from you soon. Take care! I would love a video on how you choose what house to explore. I would like to go out exploring (not alone). 😄

[@jdexploresfan3628]

Hope your well and doing fine. Really miss your explores. Hope maybe you get back into it soon. Thanks for all you have done 😃👍

[@sicooper4230]

Sad you have given up but i salute you on your new life with your family and wish you well.

[@alexzorro8884]

Hey tikitrex ,where you been? You haven't posted in two years..You were my first house explorer I started watching on UT. I like your voice demeanor, there is something so sad about many of these homes in despair. So many memories left behind. Your a brave woman to go in some of these places..Have you explored in new hampshire? I get the impression you live in Canada. I've googled earth a few of your explorations in Florida. Have friends/family near Tampa/daytona. Might have a go on next visit. Love your exploration adventures back in time.

[@stanhorch6037]

Welcome back,you were missed.

[@doug7313]

So happy to see you back with another glimpse into the past, you are always missed dear Lady! Florida looks great right now, as it is 34* here in Oregon. Thank you very much, and I hope to hear from you again soon! Peace and safe travels, Pam!

[@richardduddy1176]

Pam you disappear again. You are greatly missed appreciated etc etc Do you plan on doing anymore videos, or have you retired from exploring??? YOU ARE MISSED

[@covid19virus47]

@@richardduddy1176 she hasn’t posted for a year does anyone know whyyy

[@1965Freddie]

Still miss you pam🤔🤷

[@alvaroakatico9188]

@@covid19virus47 Perhaps she ran out of material. This was my first time watching her videos.

[@sharonslavey5419]

Oh girl, we all have missed you. Don't you dare take so long again. Great explore.

[@darcihoudeshell2588]

Tiki, where have you gone to? You're the first urbex explorer that I subscribed to. I certainly do miss your videos. ❤❤❤

[@samorayee420]

you are not the only one i miss her very much . long times her subscriber

[@Daddiebear]

Well, I guess you’re gone again Tiki. 😞 Pls know that your adventures are missed and I hope you’re keeping safe during this crazy time.

[@elwrayexplores3575]

How about some new explores in 2021? :) Hope everything is good !

[@eily_b]

I am waiting for another video... It's 2022 now.

[@marilyndenler1370]

Interesting. Glad to see you didn’t have any snakely encounters. Good to see a video again 👍

[@TikiTrex]

I'm glad I didn't, either! lol

[@alvaroakatico9188]

@@TikiTrex Netflix brought me here, I saw you there when you were measuring the hot pavement in Centralia. So I had to check out your channel, but I see you don’t explore as often. I can still subscribe and watch your videos.

[@mikeekim1972]

Hi TikiTrex, am a fan and wondering what happened to your vids...hope your doing well.

[@chantallaflamme6454]

Welcome back, Pam!! I really hope you're doing well ! ❤

[@eddrummerhands9448]

I miss you TikiTrex!:(

[@Styder111]

I miss your content, Tiki. Hope you're doing well

[@stephaniemcquillan6167]

It’s great to see you back on the Tube! It’s terrible what people do to these places and steal from people

[@jw6948]

Please come back! Tour an abandoned chicken coup or something! You are so missed!

[@joshuarobinson2990]

I agree, at this point an abandoned backyard shed would be welcome.

[@aaron71]

Miss your videos!!

[@Underratedtoxique]

Where are you I hope your okay it’s been to long

[@216betto]

Tiki Trex! ....Welcome back!

[@carpdude73]

Hey girl, we miss you and wish you would come back and build up your channel again! I was a subscriber back a few years ago and have waited patiently for you to send new videos but have not seen anything for several years. Can you please send an update so you can let people know what is happening in your life?

[@thortheviking4666]

Wow, so fantastic to see a video from you again and to hear your fabolous voice / narrating Should be happy if you have opertunity to do more videos The KZbin is not the same without your production 🤗 Regards Tor

[@shondastatini38]

Oh my gosh you are baaaaaaaccccckkkkk!!!! Your the best. The guys that do this never open things and try to get a feel who lived there. You never miss any "clues".

[@Caddl123]

Hi Tikitrex Missed you o much thought something happend to you.. Welcome back i love your unique style of exploring Greetings from Germany

[@DawnCook852]

What an inspiring explore. Appreciate that you included where to find the archives for more photos of the magnitude of Tom Gaskin's work. His house was also in the archives, along with how the museum looked at its capacity. I found it fascinating that he made a business out of nature and what he created in the shapes of the cypress knees. When you see old abandoned buildings, you think of the life, love, and laughter that was once a part of its history.

[@spooley]

Great to see that Tiki notification. Have a few Cypress knees in the house from relatives who visited FLA 40 and 50 years ago.

[@TikiTrex]

That's awesome!

[@jasonwho9992]

Where you been?? Will you ever come back ??

[@rss2105]

Always makes my day when you post a new video. To far and in between. :(

[@FireBirdZXv8]

Another Awesome video Pam!!!! Can't wait for the next!!!

[@michellehemingway7812]

Hopefully you post again soon :(

[@cheekykent]

If you could meet up with Michael and Brian from The Proper People that would be awesome. Their channel and your work are very well done.

[@556blackwater]

Still here and waiting.

[@leannvlewis]

I hope everything is ok with you. We miss your videos.

[@Touchofaweepingangel]

Yay a new video!! :) sad there wasn’t too much left of this particular place to see.

[@gitterbugg679]

Please come back and stay. We miss you!

[@tifaniletcher1455]

Tiki.....please come back

[@raymondwilliams2609]

Nice to hear your voice again, Pam. ☺️🤗❤️🌹🇬🇧

[@samorayee420]

we love all your video . i wish everything is ok with you . miss your new video . hopefully come back soon

[@rachelredden6682]

SHE'S BACK😁😁😁😁😁😁😁 Another great video as always.

[@nateknauer9818]

Really miss seeing your videos. 💔 I have been watching your videos for years. I hope all is well!! Sending you good vibes.

[@megadethgigantour]

Welcome back!! :)

[@jodywoodruff6473]

I sure miss you ☺️

[@MrTootoot22]

Tiki.....please come back

[@MrTootoot22]

l hope your well and one day hope your back even if its just reading to us a story or something like that we would all love it God be with you ..love tommy..

[@tylerjones2695]

Why have you stopped posting to your channel

[@BulletsPrincess]

So glad you're back!

[@voyager0156]

always like watching your videos, especially places in my home state I might not get to see plus places I might not be able to see

[@jbtownsend9535]

Nice! The little conical sand things are antlion larvae sand traps. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antlion?wprov=sfti1 They’re common in sandy areas in Florida. Great to hear from you!

[@owen4248]

Welcome back Pam missed ya lots so glad to see you exploring again. What a place this must have been I heard of this before such a shame it had to come to this well at least we have the remnants and memories of a great museum:) Thanks for sharing look forward to more videos:)

[@FarleyHillBilly]

Lovely to hear your voice again.

[@crueltyfreecolorist1025]

I do hope you are ok I used to watch you all the time years ago.

[@deepteal3935]

I actually visited the Cypress Knee Museum many years ago with my mother. I'm kinda disipointed it is no more. It was super-fascinating and very much a natural Florida attraction, which I still adore. The thing I remember most is its' pure creative simplicity. Much care had been taken to imagine resembalences in the knees to real life objects, people, and characters and share that imagery with little descriptive signs to spark your imagination. Every knee on display, and there were many, had a story. They were all grouped close together as you walked along inside as they might be out in the swamp. The idea was simple, the visit memorable. A Florida entropnenur making a living out of simple natural things around him. What an imagination the owner had!

[@mehm1297]

Miss your content

[@y00h0011]

You are the first channel that I subscribed to. Truly miss your videos and gifted narrating. Please come back soon? Thank you. Hope that you are well? Take Care. B

[@TheFlexTapes]

You are who got me to start!

[@bellarosaKitty]

Long time, long see gorgeous ❤

[@tonyjones5062]

Hello ..do u have a new channel...I so miss your explorations

[@vladimirs9214]

Tiki, where are you? You disappeared again ...... :-(

[@paigelarkin2825]

Yay! So happy to find a new video. And, truly new. Don’t get me wrong - I’ll happily take the previously unposted archives, too. Or previously posted, for that matter.

[@AdventureswithBeck]

I was just wondering when you were going to upload again. One of my favorite explorers to watch. Glad to see you post again!

[@jgbsweeper7325]

I was born and grew up in central Florida pre-Disney. I moved away from there over 50 years ago and it’s always nice to see the Florida explores. Thanks !

[@ochsj1971]

5:10 He should have told his visitors not to worry about the snakes.....the alligators ate them all. LOL! ;)

[@patsyhairston8277]

Why would u abandon a museum. Why not take stuff to another museum

[@jimsoutdooradventures2748]

Thinking of you Pam. Hope you are well. I miss your soothing explores.😄

[@Detroit7Mile]

She’s back Yayyyyy!

[@jamesyoung1022]

The funnel-shaped holes are made by doodlebugs.

[@Olivia-hx2hx]

As a child we traveled to Florida yearly. Knees were available in gas stations are gift ideas, as well as baby gators and tiny painted turtles. It was a different time

[@karl.weaver]

Yahoooooooo, welcome back, yesss :)

[@mistywoods4407]

What happened to Tiki Trex it says that she has not posted in a year. Does anyone know

[@msguitargal11]

Are you still recording new abandoned houses??

[@rosikoenig7375]

So happy to see you back.. your videos started my whole youtube adventures!! :)

[@cindyparker230]

My grandparents worked and lived in the museum with Tom

[@colinthegeordiehistorian10]

Have you stopped doing Videos Tiki.

[@michellehemingway7812]

Been watching for over 4 years and sad to see such inactiveness we miss and love you!!!watching these just found a place near me tiki haven mims florida abandoned trailer park on US 1 if not demolished gonna see for myself love if you beat me to it tho so I wouldn’t have to

[@mikes2164]

Good to see you back! Hope to see lots more

[@patmurphy389]

Tiki, are you still exploring? This was the most recent video I could find of yours.

[@hallray7849]

Did you give up, where are you ,really missing you. I look every day and no new video?

[@billl1127]

I'm still not clear on what a Cypress knee is.

[@thehobbyzoo6124]

I miss your videos your in my playlist of good urbex Explorations

[@shanebloeser2910]

I live in Florida. I need to check these places out

[@anthonyhamblin3676]

Thanks for the vid, so nice to hear your voice again!

[@colinthegeordiehistorian10]

Hi Tiki me and the wife have started to re watch your videos. We love your content hope you might do more but if you dont take care and stay safe.

[@Andrewthemansky]

Are you ever gonna make another video

[@colinthegeordiehistorian10]

thank you Tiki loved that

[@216betto]

It is what it is.I guess…🤷🏽🎃!!

[@ChipGuy]

So good to see you exploring again. Hope all is well!

[@heatherk.9937]

Girl! How I have missed you!!

[@voyager0156]

I hope all is well TikiTrex. Miss seeing your new uploads.

[@silviahoya]

Is there a button for "love"? my favourite explorer once again! thanks for the video and welcome back!

[@karl.weaver]

Hi Tikitrex, how’s things, will you be making anymore videos real soon? We all miss you very much, hope you are well and happy at the least :)

[@robertsmith8648]

I seen my state Missouri.

[@jss302]

yay!! ♥️

[@hallray7849]

What happened to you?

[@adelebaker6227]

I miss your videos. 😞

[@Gabriel-zq6sm]

Cool video! 😀

[@johnwayne5289]

enjoyed, glad you're back

[@bobkuhn276]

I really enjoy your explorations, and I really love your voice. You mentioned a new camera in one of the videos with better focus and it was really clear. What camera did you purchase.

[@AmericanExplorer]

Very interesting history and information! His carvings were quite unusual. Too bad they were stolen. Those are pieces of history we can't get back unless the thieves are caught. I wanted to check out more information on the museum, and according to a Roadside America article dated today, the building is now gone. I was sad to see that, but glad you got there before it was torn down. Great video, thoroughly enjoyed it!

[@screamingtima1318]

What happened to Tiki?

[@endeavor8850]

Ah man it’s 2020 and I need you more than ever 😢

[@ln5mith]

Miss you

[@savagehenry3825]

Am I the only one who, when she said "broken glass everywhere," started singing 'The Message' by Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five? Probably.

[@Bnuttn]

People pissin' on the stairs, you know they just don't care

[@savagehenry3825]

Respect.

[@bradleylacoursiere2905]

Yay you're back I missed you also I was wondering if you will do a face reveal

[@kiaanmodi9682]

Congrats, your on Netflix

[@Albert-xy5py]

Is she in a show now??