Pop-Culture Author Chris Epting And The World’s Largest Shoe House

Pop-culture historian and author Chris Epting is stepping out to restore the World’s Largest Shoe House in Hallam, Pennsylvania not far from Philadelphia! This high-topped work shoe is 48 feet long and 25 feet tall. With five interior levels, the old woman and her many children would have fit quite comfortably! But that means one BIG job for Chris as he teams with Hampton Hotels “Save-A-Landmark” program to put the spring back in the step of this quirky landmark. Join Chris live from the massive Shoe as he tells you more about the landmark program, his travels to lesser-known destinations, and how your viewers can get involved in the care of their own local landmarks. Chris has written a variety of books on the locations of America’s pop-culture landmarks, including The Ruby Slippers, Madonna’s Bra and Einstein’s Brain. Interview courtesy of Hampton Inn To schedule an interview with Chris Epting, contact: Deb/MPS-KEF at 201-345-3215 or email at mailto:debshufelt@mpsmediagroup.com debshufelt@mpsmediagroup.com When you book a window, we’ll provide you with spokesperson bio, tease b-roll and a list of suggested questions. More Than A Polish: World’s Largest Shoe House Gets Its Shine Back Hampton Hotels, Save-A-Landmark Program Renovates Gigantic Shoe; Calls for Gently-Used Shoe Donations HELLAM, Penn., September 26 Volunteers from Hampton Hotels “Save-A-Landmark” program dig in their heels today as they overhaul the World’s Largest Shoe House in Hellam, Pennsylvania. In an estimated 84-hour restoration effort, nearly 20 employee volunteers will clean, prime and paint the five-story work boot; restore its historic stain glass windows; and paint the Shoe House’s fence. As part of the restoration, Hampton has partnered with Soles4Souls a non-profit organization that collects and distributes shoes for those in need in asking community members to put their best foot forward by donating their gently used shoes. Shoes can be dropped off at the Shoe House on September 25 or 26, any time between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. Hellam’s quirky Shoe House has brought smiles to passing motorists for decades, and we’re taking an extra step in this restoration to help those who need new shoes as well, said Judy Christa-Cathey, vice president of brand marketing for Hampton Hotels. Hampton is helping to ensure that future generations of visitors will have a chance to stand in the shadow of this gigantic piece of Americana, by contributing nearly $20,000 toward the landmark’s ongoing care. The 25-foot tall, 48-foot long Shoe House was originally built in 1948 by Mahlon N. Haines, a famously eccentric local shoe salesman, as an extravagant advertising gimmick. Haines, the “Shoe Wizard of York”, once invited young honeymooners to stay the night in his Shoe House, free of charge. The popular tourist attraction now operates as an ice cream parlor and gift shop, and as a museum dedicated to Haines colorful life. Those looking to stand beside a larger-than-life landmark can also access the Save-A-Landmark Web site at http://www.hamptonlandmarks.com for a host of ideas. Following are just a sampling of other oversized sites refurbished by the Save-A-Landmark program: * World’s Largest Teapot, Chester, W.Va.: In 1938, William “Babe” Devon transported a colossal root beer barrel from Pennsylvania to Chester, West Virginia. When he added a lid, spout and handle, the World’s Largest Teapot was born. Nearly 20 years since the Teapot had received any sugar; it was restored by the Save-A-Landmark program in May 2007. * World’s Largest Buffalo, Jamestown, N.D.: The 60-ton concrete beast was originally created to attract passersby to the town’s various prairie- and bison-related attractions. After braving nearly 50 years of harsh winters, the Buffalo was restored by the Save-A-Landmark program in June 2007. * World’s Largest Cuckoo Clock, Wilmot, Ohio: Standing more than 23 feet tall, the Cuckoo Clock was built in the late 1960s to attract customers to the neighboring restaurant, now Grandma’s Alpine Homestead Swiss Village. Although it was diligently cared for, years of harsh climate conditions have weathered the landmark, so it was restored by the Save-A-Landmark program in August 2007. * World’s Largest Duck, Flanders, N.Y.: This 20-foot-tall, 40-foot-wide gift shop was built in 1931 to lure travelers to purchase Peking ducks. The Big Duck is not only a treasured Long Island landmark, but is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was restored by the Save-A-Landmark program in August 2000. * World’s Largest Santa Claus, North Pole, Alaska: More than 48 feet tall and 33 feet wide, this gigantic statue stands next to the world famous Santa Claus House and was restored by Hampton’s Save-A-Landmark program in December 2000. Hampton’s Save-A-Landmark program is continuing its eighth year preserving historical, fun and cultural landmarks, from the Carousel Gardens in New Orleans, La. to the historical National Monument to the Forefathers in Plymouth, Mass. During this time, the program has helped research landmarks in need, promoted landmark sites and their importance, facilitated thousands of volunteer hours, donated several tons of supplies and worked with matching grants all at an investment of more than $2.5 million. Banding its hotels together in the communities they serve, Hampton employee-volunteers work hand-in-hand on the landmarks while Hampton provides the dollars to refurbish selected sites. The Save-A-Landmark program is always searching for landmarks in need. Anyone with suggestions can visit the Save-A-Landmark Web site at http://www.hamptonlandmarks.com and click on “submit a landmark” to enter their nominations or even just to bring some much-deserved attention to a favorite attraction. About Soles4Souls Nashville-based Soles4Souls facilitates the donations of shoes, which will be used to aid the hurting worldwide. Shoe companies, retailers and individuals can donate footwear (both new and used). Soles4Souls is a 501(c)(3) recognized by the IRS; donating parties are eligible for tax advantages. Visit http://www.GiveShoes.org or call (866) 521-SHOE. About Hampton Hotels Hampton, which includes Hampton Inn and Hampton Inn & Suites hotels, is a mid-priced leader in the lodging segment. Hampton is part of Hilton Hotels Corporation, the leading global hospitality company, with more than 2,800 hotels and 500,000 rooms in 78 countries and territories, including 105,000 team members worldwide. The More than 2,300 hotels are owned, managed or franchised in North America withcompany owns, manages or franchises a hotel portfolio of some of the best known and highly regarded brands, including Hilton, Conrad, Doubletree, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hampton Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites, Hilton Garden Inn, Hilton Grand Vacations, Homewood Suites by Hilton and The Waldorf Astoria Collection. The Hilton Family of Hotels adheres to founder Conrad Hilton’s philosophy that, It has been, and continues to be, our responsibility to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality. The company put a name to its unique brand of service that has made it the best known and most highly regarded hotel company: be hospitable. The philosophy is shared by all brands in the Hilton Family of Hotels, and is the inspiration for its overarching message of kindness and generosity. Hilton Hotels Corporation’s sponsorship of the U.S. Olympic Team will extend through the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Beijing, China, and includes the 2008 U.S. Paralympic Team(s) and the 2007 U.S. Pan-Am Team. For more information about our company, please visit http://www.hiltonworldwide.com , and to learn more about our be hospitable philosophy, please visit http://www.behospitable.com . Biography Chris Epting Pop Culture Historian and Author A pop culture (and baseball) history aficionado, Chr
is has a lifelong penchant for documenting the exact sites where things both great and small occurred. As an author and advertising professional, Epting has found that unearthing and chronicling “hidden” locations offers him a challenge. What began as an inquisitive hobby soon developed into the writing and photographing of seven books based on his discoveries, including James Dean Died HereThe Locations of America’s Pop Culture Landmarks, “Roadside Baseball” and his most recent tome, “Elvis Presley Passed Here, Even More Locations of America’s Pop Culture Landmarks.” As an extension of his efforts to chronicle the unique, Epting joins Hampton Hotels for a second exciting year as a spokesperson and consultant for the Hidden Landmarks program in support of the brand’s national Explore the Highway with Hampton Save-A-Landmark* campaign. His adventures in the memorable began at the age of 13, when he ran into Alfred Hitchcock’s stomach while on vacation in Los Angeles and was reprimanded by the famed director. The adventures continue when he develops a friendship with renowned author (and then-neighbor) John Cheever. Epting later attends Game Six of the 1986 World Series where he sees history yet again Mookie Wilson hits a ball in the bottom of the 10th that goes through Bill Buckner’s legs and the Mets win. Since becoming an author, he has been a frequent featured guest on numerous radio and television programs such as National Public Radio’s “All Things Considered,” “The Savvy Traveler” and FOX TV’s the “Best Damn Sports Show Period,” plus international programs in Australia, Japan and the U.K. He has also written numerous articles about historical travel, most recently a series of pieces for MSNBC.com. Currently, Chris is at work on his eighth book, which traces the locations of pop culture artifacts. Bibliography * Elvis Presley, Even More Locations of America’s Pop Culture Landmarks (Santa Monica Press, May 2005) “Marilyn Monroe Died Here, More Locations of America’s Pop Culture Landmarks” (Santa Monica Press, May 2004)* * “Roadside Baseball, Uncovering Hidden Treasures From Our National Pastime” (The Sporting News/McGraw Hill; May 2003) “James Dean Died Here The Locations of America’s Pop Culture Landmarks” (Santa Monica Press; April 2003) “Images of America: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum” (Arcadia Publishing, 2002) “Images of America: Huntington Beach California” (Arcadia Publishing, 2001) https://videos.whiteblox.com/gnb/secure/player.aspx?sid=35071