The Shoe House was originally built as a larger than life advertising gimmick in 1948. The first year, after the house was built, Colonel Mahlon N. Haines let it out as a guest house to elderly couples to spend a lavish weekend at his expense.
Today, the Shoe House welcomes hoards of visitors who wonder at the 48 feet tall and 17 feet wide structure. The house is constructed of cement stucco, which is spread over a wooden frame. Here, you can visit the interiors of the Shoe House, which are spread over 5 different levels and include three bedrooms, two baths, a kitchen and a living room. Of particular interest is the curved eating booth which is located in the kitchen which is tucked away in the heel of the shoe house. You can even call ahead to avail of guided group tours or arrange for a pre-booked bus to the site.
You can either carry a picnic basket with you or snack on the sumptuous Hershey's hand-dipped ice-cream, ice-cream sandwiches or popsicles to beat the heat. And if you've worked up a fair appetite, you can also purchase snacks and beverages at the venue.
The Gift Shop stores interesting Shoe House themed memorabilia which make excellent gift ideas. Here, you can buy quaint shoe house-shaped lamps with little windows which light up from inside or read about the history of the Shoe House and its equally eccentric creator Mahlon Haines in the book, 'The Life and Times of Mahlon Haines".
You can visit the Shoe House between 11 am and 5 pm, Wednesday through Saturday in the months of June, July and August. In September and October, the Shoe House is open to visitors from 11 am to 5 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. In the months between November and May, admission is solely by appointment. Tours will cast you about $3.50 per person with special discounts for children.
For further information, you can refer to the website http://www.shoehouse.us or call the Shoe House at 717-840-8339.
The Shoe House
197 Shoe House Rd
Hellam, PA 17406
