Saturday, February 1, 2014

"The Original Perry's Nut House" - Belfast, Maine


Perry's Nut House is a tourist stop and store on Route One in Belfast, Maine. Opened in 1927, Perry's Nut House is a classic example of an American roadside attraction. Located on the coastal road to Bar Harbor, Perry's Nut House features giant painted animal sculptures outside. 

In the early 1950s, Perry's Nut House used a catchy radio jingle: "Pack up the kids. Jump in the car. Drive to Perry's Nut House, and there you are. Right on the coast, route number 1. Belfast, Maine, Oh golly what fun."

Perry's is still alive and well! Read more here:  www.perrysnuthouse.com/our-history


Hotel Coeur D'Alene - Spokane, Washington


Converted from a variety theater into a hotel in 1909 by self-made mining man “Dutch Jake” Goetz and his partner Harry Bauer, this is one of the oldest and best known structures in Spokane. I couldn't find any information regarding the "steamship" on the roof.  Below is a photo of what the hotel looks like today.




The Durand Mansion - Pasadena, California


In April of 1902, John Durand, a millionaire Chicago businessman, purchased 10 acres-half a block of property known as "Arlington Heights" in Pasadena, California. With 17,000 square feet of floor space - fifty rooms in three stories - the home was said to be the largest in Southern California, if not the entire southwest. The property remained with the family until John M. Durand III died in 1960. The furnishings and art objects were then sold at public auction in 1961, and the home was razed. The card was mailed in 1915.