There is an unusual landmark in Seattle located in an alley behind the Pike Place Market.
Your eyes are not deceiving you. It is called the Gum Wall. This was my 3rd visit to the Emerald City and the first I've heard of this place. Geocacher casually mentioned it when we all went to the Pike Place Market. There was a mental screeching of brakes when I paused to consider this unusual attraction.
"There's a gum wall?" I asked.
"Yeah. It's in Post Alley. There's a hidden geocache." He replied.
"I've got to see this!"
After shopping in the Market, we were led to this interesting, albeit slightly disgusting, landmark.
I learned the origins of the Gum Wall through the internet. Patrons waiting in line for tickets to the theater often passed the time by sticking gum and coins to the wall. Theater employees scraped the gum laden walls, but gave up in 1999. The collection has been growing ever since.
I'm not sure if the theater is still open, but the windows are clear, which leads me to believe this is an active business.
People are creative with their used up gum. Gums shaped into hearts, flags and names. Sometimes there are objects within the sticky grasp of used gum. Movie tickets, gum wrappers, pennies, notes and receipts. This recent addition to the wall made me smile.
I feel bad for the business across the street.
Yea, good luck with that.
I saw that on TV. Don't remember the show. Did you check the bottom of your shoes when you left?
ReplyDeleteAt first glance, I thought it was a bunch of used...well, I won't say what I thought they were, but used gum is a lot less disgusting than what I thought it was.
ReplyDeleteQuite an amazing sight, in a twisted kind of way.
Hillbilly Mom,
ReplyDeleteAck! I'm surprised I didn't think to check my shoes. I felt an odd combination of awe and disgust.
Sioux,
Yes there were THOSE used things on the gum wall.