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.

---
"CBS Sunday Morning" features stories on the arts, music, nature, entertainment, sports, history, science, Americana and highlights unique human accomplishments and achievements. Check local listings for CBS Sunday Morning broadcast times.

[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.

[richardtomlinson]

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

[annf]

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

[patriciaburke]

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!

[David-sevg]

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

[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.

[jobrakai]

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

[mikejordan]

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.

[nancydrake]

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

[johnmiddleton]

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

[MrOsukid]

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

[CatonaWall]

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

[bedminstereric]

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

[lachrymarum_]

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

[thomashanley]

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

[Eric-kfdy]

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

[rosemiller]

I brought my friends from Pakistan to see this place and sign the book.

[Yeti]

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

[hmmmmm]

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.