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1.13.2016

Haines Shoe House, York County, PA

As a fan of roadside americana and odd things, visiting the Haines Shoe House has held a special place on bucket list for years. The opportunity finally came through on my ride from the western side of the state to the eastern side of the state by way of covered bridges. The Haines Shoe House, fit in perfectly into the trip. The opportunity was too good to pass up, I finally got to see the Haines Shoe House, an excellent example of novelty architecture.

The Haines Shoe House was built in 1948 along the Lincoln Highway by Mahlon Haines to advertise his chain of forty shoe stores throughout the region, by Mahlon Haines. Urban legend says that he showed one of his work boots to an architect and here we are today. Mahlon lived in the house for a short time before he moved across the street. In 1950 he opened the house up to vacationers, specifically the elderly, and newlyweds with an affiliation to his shoe stores. They even had a live in maid and butler. Mahlon passed away in 1962 and the house's future went up in limbo until it was purchased by his granddaughter in 1987. It has changed hands a few times since.
Haines Shoe House, Hallam, PA, York County
I love the shoe mailbox
There are even stained glass shoe windows.
Through changed hands and threatened existence, the Haines Shoe House has pressed on as a York County, Pennsylvania, and Lincoln Highway Landmark for 68 years. I wish the best to the new owners and their successful 2015 season as a tourist attraction, complete with tours, local ice cream, homemade baked goods, and more. For more information, visit their website at www.hainesshoehouse.com

2 comments :

  1. Passed this place for years before finally stopping by. It was worth the visit, a very cool house.

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  2. It was recently sold and I heard it's an Airbnb now

    ReplyDelete

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