Saturday, April 30, 2016

Zippy the Pinhead Location: New York-New York - Las, Vegas, NV

New York-New York Hotel & Casino 
"New York, Nevada"
Las Vegas, NV


N 36° 06.074 W 115° 10.399


Short Description: 

New York- New York Hotel & Casino is located on the Las Vegas Strip at 3790 Las Vegas Boulevard It is owned and operated by MGM Resorts International.



Long Description: 

New York-New York includes scale models of many of New York City
s iconic structures such as the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, Grants Tomb, Brooklyn Bridge, Soldiers and Sailors Monument, the Whitney Museum of American Art, Immigration Building on Ellis Island, Grand Central Terminal, Cyclone Rollercoaster,  and New York Harbor including a 150' tall (46 m) replica of the Statue of Liberty.

New York New York -- it looks like a souvenir pop-up postcard. For those too busy or lazy to visit the real thing, Vegas provides a selection of squeezed-together skyscrapers outside of the New York New York Hotel-Casino -- including the Empire State and Chrysler buildings -- one-third the size of those in Manhattan. The disguised towers are jam packed with hotel rooms.

The skyline was built in 1996. In an uncannily eerie decision they chose not to include the World Trade Center Towers.

Friday, April 29, 2016

Zippy the Pinhead Location: Goodspeed Airport - East Haddam, CT

Goodspeed Airport
"Zippy's Day Off"
East Haddam, CT


N 41° 26.985 W 072° 27.639


Short Description: 

Zippy visits the Goodspeed Airport at East Haddam, CT



Long Description:

This very small airport is located in the town of East Haddam, CT. It's used by private planes and home to Eagle Aviation. Note that the sign on the building is accurately portrayed in the strip. The airport is located a short distance from the famous Goodspeed Opera House and provides convenient access for those with small aircraft.

Thursday, April 28, 2016

Zippy the Pinhead Location: Bluebonnet Diner - Northampton, MA

Bluebonnet Diner
"Ed Ped Dead Ahead"
Northampton, MA


N 42° 20.075 W 072° 38.172


Short Description: 

Zippy carries on a terse conversation with a customer in "Ed Ped Dead Ahead" at the Bluebonnet Diner is located at 324 King Street (US Route 5), Northampton, MA.



Long Description:

The Bluebonnet Diner has been a local favorite in Northampton, MA since 1950. It specializes in home-style comfort foods that is reasonable priced. They have expanded the diner to include banquet and meeting rooms at the rear of the restaurant. The diner area remains unchanged, complete with its characteristic rooftop signage.



Hours:

Mon 05:30 AM-11:00 PM
Tue 05:30 AM-11:00 PM
Wed 05:30 AM-11:00 PM
Thu 05:30 AM-11:00 PM
Fri 05:30 AM-11:00 PM
Sat 06:00 AM-11:00 PM
Sun Closed

Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Zippy the Pinhead Location: Plantation Man - Agawam, MA

Plantation Man
"Welcoming Committee"
Agawam, MA


N 42° 04.937 W 072° 38.752


Short Description: 

Plantation Man, as he is locally known, is on the move again. He now is located at the south end of a plaza in Agawam, MA. He is owned by the nearby Headquarters Bar and Grille at 485 Springfield St,



Long Description:

The Plantation Man, a.k.a. Southern Gentlemen and Big White Guy is on the move again. For many years he was a visible off Exit 6 of the Massachusetts Turnpike in the parking lot of the Plantation Inn in Chicopee, MA. Before that he was painted red, white, and blue as Uncle Sam in front of Mutual Ford in Springfield, MA.



When the Plantation Inn went bankrupt he was sold at auction for $11,500 to the owners Headquarters Bar and Grille of Agawam. He stood in front of the establishment at 485 Springfield St, Agawam, MA until it was declared unsafe and he disappeared for a while. He came back better stabilized and in a safer location at the south end of the shopping plaza.

Sunday, April 24, 2016

Zippy the Pinhead Location: Papa Joe's Fireworks Elephants - Hardeeville, SC

Papa Joe's Fireworks Elephants
"Tickling the Ivories"
Hardeeville, SC


N 32° 16.152 W 081° 04.779


Short Description: 

A pair of life size elephants, one pink and one gray, stand outside the Papa Joe's Fireworks store at 15794 Whyte Hardee Blvd, Hardeeville, SC



Long Description:

The unmistakable sign that you are in South Carolina and near the border with a neighboring state are the ubiquitous stores selling fireworks. Papa Joe's Fireworks not only has a prime location near the first northbound exit on I-95 in Hardeeville, South Carolina but also an eye-catching pair of life-size African elephants that draw motorists to the parking lot and maybe into the store.

Saturday, April 23, 2016

Zippy the Pinhead Location: Nick's Nest - Holyoke, MA

Nick's Nest
"Costume Piece"
Holyoke, MA


N 42° 12.605 W 072° 37.808


Short Description: 

Zippy visits Nick's Nest at 1597 Northampton Street,  Holyoke, MA and is inspired to change his appearance and become more delicious.



Long Description:

In 1921 Nick Malfas founded Nick's Nest. What started out as a roadside popcorn cart morphed into the present day permanent store when hot dogs were added in 1922. Three generations of the Malfas family operated the restaurant which became a landmark in Holyoke.



In 2005 Nick's Nest was purchased by Kevin and Jenn Chateauneuf. They have retained the famous hot dogs and have added french fries, onion rings, homemade salads and soft serve ice cream.

Friday, April 22, 2016

Roadside Attraction/Zippy the Pinhead Location: Giant Needle and Button - NY, NY

Giant Needle and Button
"Hook-Up Hang-Up"
New York, NY


N 40° 45.248 W 073° 59.291


Quick Description: 

The Giant Needle and Button is located in the center of the Fashion District at 7th Avenue and 39th Street in Manhattan.



Long Description:

The area from 5th and 9th Avenues and between 34th and 42nd Streets was once known throughout the world as the Garment District. As the original businesses close the area is redefining itself as the Fashion District.



In the heart of the Fashion District, on the northeast corner of Seventh Avenue and West 39th Street, is located the Fashion Center Business Improvement District Information Kiosk. Leaning against and above the kiosk is a 31' long needle being threaded through a 15' diameter button. The needle and button were designed by Pentagram Architectural Services and built in the late 1990s. They are symbolic of the garment industry for which the district is named.

Wednesday, April 20, 2016

Zippy the Pinhead Location - Eiffel Tower, Paris

Eiffel Tower
Paris, France


N 48° 51.506 E 002° 17.585


Short Description: 

Zippy visits the Eiffel Tower but his heart seems to be in San Francisco (and visa versa). The iconic Eiffel Tower is located on the Champs de Mars near the River Seine in the 7th arrondissement of Paris.

Long Description:



From the bateaux-mouches that cruise the Seine you get this unusual perspective, looking up at the Eiffel Tower. Even if you think you've taken enough pictures of this Paris landmark you probably can't resist taking some more from this angle, especially at twilight.

The iron lattice Eiffel Tower, located on the Champ de Mars, was built in 1889 as the entrance arch to the 1889 World's Fair. It was designed and built by engineer Gustave Eiffel, hence its name. The tower is 1,063 ft. tall. When built it was the tallest man-made structure in the world. It is still the tallest building in France.

The Eiffel Tower is one of the the most visited monument in the world; hosting millions of people it every year. The tower has three observation levels that vary in price according to elevation. Restaurants on located on the first two levels.

Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Zippy the Pinhead Location: Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame - Springfield, MA

Naismith Memorial
Basketball Hall of Fame
Springfield, MA



N 42° 05.593 W 072° 35.086





Short Description: 

The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame celebrates the history of basketball. It is located at 1000 Hall of Fame Avenue in Springfield, MA.

Long Description:



Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is a memorial to the inventor of the game of basketball, Dr. James Naismith. The current facility is the third building for the Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame was moved 100 yards south to its current location in 2002. The first location of the Basketball Hall of Fame was on the campus of Springfield College in Springfield, MA from 1960 to 1985 when a new building was built along the Connecticut River west of I-95.

The $47,000,000 facility was designed by the architectural firm of Gwathmey Siegel & Associates. The building has a silver a basketball-shaped dome flanked by two symmetrical rhombuses. A pylon with a basketball globe is located on the east side of the building. The silver dome is illuminated at night with changing colored lights. The display is visible to travelers on I-91 as it passes through Springfield.

The 80,000 square foot interior contains tributes to 361 coaches, players, referees, contributors, and teams who were inducted into the Hall of Fame by a voting process. In addition there is a full-sized basketball court, a place where visitors can shoot basketballs, restaurants, theaters, and many interactive exhibits.

Monday, April 18, 2016

Zippy the Pinhead Location: Neptune Pool, Hearst Castle - San Simeon, CA

Neptune Pool
Hearst Castle
"The Old Man Of The Mountain"
San Simeon, CA


N 35° 41.130 W 121° 10.133




Short Description: 

In April 2002, Zippy spent several days at Hearst Castle in San Simeon, CA and concludes a conversation with William Randolph Hearst by the Neptune Pool.

Long Description:

Construction of the first version of the Neptune Pool occurred between 1924 and 1936. Initially it was to be a “Temple Garden” with an ornamental pool and temple structure. Before construction began the design was changed. It was to be converted into a large swimming pool. The Neptune and Nereid statues, which now occupy the pediment of the temple, were then installed on the grounds.

The pool as it now stands is 104 feet long, 58 feet wide and 95 feet wide at alcove. It is 3.5 feet deep at the west end, 10 feet at drains and holds 345,000 gallons of water. It is heated by an oil burning system and decorated with Vermont marble

Friday, April 15, 2016

Zippy the Pinhead Location: White Hut - West Springfield, MA

White Hut
West Springfield, MA


N 42° 05.793 W 072° 36.085




Short Description: 

A family owned and operated hamburgers and hot dogs landmark since 1939. The White Hut is located at 280 Memorial Avenue, West Springfield, MA



Long Description:

It all began when Edward J. Barkett I bought out his partner in the original White Hut hot dog stand for $300 in 1939. He then bought the nearby property at 280 Memorial Ave., West Springfield, one block west and built the present 600 sq. ft. building. He expanded the menu to include hamburgers , now their signature item. To be able to offer quick service he decided to limit seating to 12 counter stools. This arrangement became a long standing feature of the White Hut.

Edward J. Barkett I continued to run the business until 1985, when control was passed his son Edward H. Barkett who ran the business into the early 90's. His son, Edward Barkett II, then took over the reins. The White Hut has been owned and operated by the Barkett family for 71 years.

Thursday, April 14, 2016

Zippy The Pinhead Location: Anthropomorphic Frogs, Frog Pond, Boston Common - Boston, MA

Anthropomorphic Frogs
at the
Frog Pond in the Boston Common
"Prayer Circle"
Boston, MA


N 42° 21.363 W 071° 03.902


Short Description: 

Two anthropomorphic frogs are located at the east end of the Frog Pond on the Boston Common in Boston, MA.

Long Description:

Bronze frogs, performing human tasks, are located by the Frog Pond in Boston Common, Boston, MA. Sculptor David Phillips created these beloved whimsical bronze frogs in 2002. Both are named and engaged in a human activity.



Tommy is fishing in the frog pond. He is sitting on on a cooler with his left foot forward while holding a fishing rod in his right hand. His left hand is holding the fly reel on to pole. On his right side are a can of worms. The worms have big eyes and are upright. One is escaping from the can.

A plaque on the cooler is inscribed:

DAVID PHILLIPS
FROGS IN COMMON
2002



Angela is Tommy's fishing companion. She is sitting on a square block and seems to be in deep thought. Her right hand is by her right cheek and her left hand is between her legs.


Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Historic Figure/Zippy The Pinhead Location - Arthur Fiedler Statue - Boston, MA

Arthur Fiedler Memorial
"Pops"
Boston, MA


N 42° 21.391 W 071° 04.525

Link to Zippy the Pinhead Comic Strip

Short Description: 

The Arthur Fiedler Memorial is located on the Esplanade across from Berkeley Bridge along the Charles River in Boston, MA.




Long Description:

Arthur Fiedler was born on December 17, 1894 in Boston, MA. His father was an Austrian violinist who played in the Boston Symphony Orchestra. His mother was a pianist and musician. He attended Boston Latin School before the family moved to Vienna, Austria, in 1910 and then soon to Berlin where Fiedler studied violin at the Royal Academy of Music (Berlin) from 1911 to 1915. Fiedler returned to Boston at the beginning of World War I. and joined the Boston Symphony Orchestra as a violinist, pianist, organist, and percussionist. In 1929, Fiedler was appointed the conductor of the Boston Pops Orchestra, a position he held until his death on July 10, 1979.

During his tenure as conductor, Fiedler initiated a beloved Boston tradition - free concerts on the Boston Esplanade on the 4th of July at the at the outdoor Hatch Memorial Shell. A gigantic bust of Arthur Fiedler, a memorial to Fiedler, was created by Ralph Helmick and installed on the Esplanade in 1984.

The 6.5' high aluminum head rests on a 1.5' high granite base. It is made by stacking 83 layers of aluminum plates. The front of the base is inscribed:

ARTHUR FIEDLER
MUSICIAN 

The back of the base is inscribed:

CONDUCTOR OF THE BOSTON POPS 1929-1979
FOUNDER OF FREE CONCERTS ON THE ESPLANADE 

On ground in back of the head is inscribed:

THIS MEMORIAL WAS MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH
A MAJOR CONTRIBUTION FROM
THE STORE 24
AN THE GENEROUS SUPPORT OF
THE BROWNE FUND
THE PERMANENT CHARITY FUND OF BOSTON
DAVID G. MUGAR
J. F. WHITE CONTRACTING COMPANY
THE ALCOA FOUNDATION
BANK OF BOSTON

Tuesday, April 12, 2016

Zippy The Pinhead Location: Donut Dip - West Springfield, MA

Donut Dip
"Round Advice"
West Springfield, MA 


N 42° 08.364 W 072° 37.579

Link to Zippy the Pinhead Comic Strip



Short Description:

The Donut Dip is located at 1305 Riverdale St, West Springfield, MA .  Zippy visited this location on July 8, 2005.



Long Description:

The Donut Dip has been a Western MA institution since 1957. They specialize in a full line of hand-made donuts. The coffee is highly rated as well.

Store Hours:

Monday -      3:00AM-11:45PM
Tuesday -      3:00AM-11:45PM
Wednesday - 3:00AM-11:45PM
Thursday -    3:00AM-11:45PM
Friday -         3:00AM-11:45PM
Saturday -     3:00AM-11:45PM
Sunday -       3:00AM-10:45PM


Monday, April 11, 2016

Roadside Attraction/Zippy the Pinhead - Winsted Diner & Hot Dog Statue - Winsted, CT

Winsted Diner
 & 
Hot Dog Statue
"Adrift"
Winsted, CT


N 41° 55.279 W 073° 04.416

 Link to Zippy The Pinhead Comic Strip



Short Description: 

An anthropomorphic hot dog in a bun stands outside the tiny Winsted Diner at 496 Main Street in the Winsted section of Winchester, CT. Zippy visited this location on October 15, 2005.



Long Description:

Both the Diner and the Hot Dog statue are the attraction in this location. The tiny standalone diner is tucked into a space between larger buildings on both sides. The diner is a popular place for breakfast and lunch but can only seat about 20 customers.

The humanoid hot dog stands east of the entrance to the building. The painted wooden hot dog is wrapped in a bun and dabbled with mustard. The hot dog has a silly face with big eyes and a huge grin. It has its right hand over its right chest. The left arm is missing.


Saturday, April 2, 2016

Historical Figure: General William Tecumseh Sherman - NY, NY

General William Tecumseh Sherman
Memorial
New York, NY


N 40° 45.885 W 073° 58.386



Short Description: 

A monument honoring General William Tecumseh Sherman is located at W. 59th Street and Fifth Avenue, New York, NY.



Long Description:

A 15.5' high gilded bronze equestrian statue of General William Tecumseh Sherman being led by a 10.5' high figure of Nike, the Winged Goddess of Victory, on an oblong granite base comprise the General Sherman Memorial on the southeast corner of Central Park in Manhattan. General Sherman is depicted on horseback wearing a military uniform and cape. The monument was created by Augustus Saint-Gaudens and A. Phimister Proctor. Charles Follen McKim was the architect. It was dedicated at the south east corner of Central Park on May 30, 1903.



The sides of the base are decorated with laurel wreaths. The front of the base contains the following dedication:

TO GENERAL 
WILLIAM TECUMSEH SHERMAN
BORN FEB 8 1820
DIED FEB 14 1891
ERECTED BY CITIZENS OF NEW YORK
UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

William Tecumseh Sherman was born on February 8, 1820 in in Lancaster, Ohio. He attended the West Point Military Academy and graduated in 1840. At the outbreak of the Civil War he was a colonel in the 13th U.S. Infantry regiment. He then served under General Grant and was a hero of the Battle of Shiloh. Thereupon, General Grant promoted him to the rank of Major General of volunteers. After the Union victory at Vicksburg, MS Sherman was given the rank of Brigadier General in the Regular Army, in addition to his rank as a Major General of volunteers.

Sherman is most famous for his capture of Atlanta during the Georgia campaign and his subsequent march to the sea through Georgia to capture the port city of Savannah. After the war and the election of Grant to the presidency, Sherman became Commanding General of the Army from 1869 to 1883. He died in New York City on February 14, 1891.