Lore 261: Attraction
Digest
This podcast delves into the fascinating world of roadside attractions, exploring their origins, the science behind their illusions, and the captivating stories that surround them. The episode begins with an announcement of the upcoming release of the host's new book, "Cabinative Curiosity's," a collection of his favorite stories from the podcast. The episode then takes listeners on a journey through time, starting with the Colossus of Rhodes, a massive statue built in ancient Greece as a symbol of victory. The episode then explores the origins of roadside attractions in America, focusing on Lucy the Elephant, a 65-foot-tall wooden elephant built in 1881 to attract buyers to undeveloped land. The podcast then delves into the mysteries of gravity hills, starting with the Oregon Vortex, a site in Goldhill, Oregon, where gravity appears to be distorted. The episode explores the claims of John Lister, who discovered the site in 1914, and the scientific explanations for the apparent gravity-defying effects. The episode then tells the story of George Prather, who, inspired by the Oregon Vortex, built the Santa Cruz Mystery Spot, a similar attraction based on optical illusions and architectural tricks. The episode explores the legal battle between Prather and Lister, who accused him of stealing his idea. Finally, the episode concludes with a discussion of Spook Hill, a gravity spot in Lake Wales, Florida, where cars appear to roll uphill. The episode explores the various legends surrounding the site, including tales of ghost pirates and a vengeful gator.
Outlines
Roadside Attractions: From Ancient Wonders to Modern Mysteries
This episode explores the history and mysteries of roadside attractions, focusing on gravity hills, optical illusions, and the stories behind iconic sites like the Colossus of Rhodes, Lucy the Elephant, and the Oregon Vortex.
The Colossus of Rhodes and the Birth of Tourism
The episode delves into the history of the Colossus of Rhodes, a massive statue built by the islanders of Rhodes after they defeated the Macedonians in a brutal siege. The statue, made from melted enemy weapons, became a symbol of their victory and a major tourist attraction.
Lucy the Elephant: The First American Roadside Attraction
The episode explores the origins of roadside attractions in America, starting with Lucy the Elephant, a 65-foot-tall wooden elephant built in 1881 by James V. Laferty to attract buyers to his undeveloped land. Lucy's success paved the way for a wave of oversized oddities across the nation.
Gravity Hills and Optical Illusions: The Science Behind the Mystery
The episode focuses on the Oregon Vortex, a site in Goldhill, Oregon, where gravity appears to be distorted. John Lister, a prospector who discovered the site in 1914, claimed it was a natural phenomenon and opened it to the public as a roadside attraction. The episode also explores the Santa Cruz Mystery Spot, a similar attraction built by George Prather, and the scientific explanations for these gravity-defying illusions.
Keywords
Roadside Attraction
A roadside attraction is a place of interest located near a road, often featuring unusual or quirky exhibits, designed to attract travelers and tourists. They are a unique aspect of American culture, often showcasing local history, folklore, or bizarre oddities.
Gravity Hill
A gravity hill is a location where a car or other object appears to roll uphill, defying gravity. These sites are often attributed to optical illusions, but many people believe they are caused by paranormal phenomena or magnetic anomalies.
Optical Illusion
An optical illusion is a visual phenomenon that deceives the perception of an observer, causing them to see something that is not actually there or to misinterpret what they are seeing. These illusions can be created through various techniques, including the use of perspective, color, and light.
Colossus of Rhodes
The Colossus of Rhodes was a massive statue of the Greek god Helios, built in the ancient city of Rhodes. It was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and a symbol of the city's wealth and power.
Lucy the Elephant
Lucy the Elephant is a 65-foot-tall wooden elephant built in 1881 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. It is considered the first roadside attraction in America and a unique example of Victorian-era architecture.
Oregon Vortex
The Oregon Vortex is a site in Goldhill, Oregon, where gravity appears to be distorted. It is a popular roadside attraction, known for its optical illusions and claims of paranormal activity.
Santa Cruz Mystery Spot
The Santa Cruz Mystery Spot is a roadside attraction in Santa Cruz, California, known for its optical illusions and claims of gravity-defying effects. It was built by George Prather, who was inspired by the Oregon Vortex.
Q&A
What is the origin of roadside attractions in America?
Roadside attractions originated in the late 19th century, with the rise of train travel and the desire to attract tourists to undeveloped land. Lucy the Elephant, a 65-foot-tall wooden elephant built in 1881, is considered the first roadside attraction in America.
How do gravity hills work?
Gravity hills are typically based on optical illusions, where the brain misinterprets the slope of the land due to obscured horizons and unusual visual landmarks. This creates the illusion that objects are rolling uphill, even though they are actually rolling downhill.
What is the story behind the Oregon Vortex?
The Oregon Vortex is a site in Goldhill, Oregon, where gravity appears to be distorted. John Lister, who discovered the site in 1914, claimed it was a natural phenomenon and opened it to the public as a roadside attraction. However, the site is likely based on optical illusions and architectural tricks.
What is the significance of the Santa Cruz Mystery Spot?
The Santa Cruz Mystery Spot is a roadside attraction built by George Prather, who was inspired by the Oregon Vortex. Prather's creation, based on optical illusions and architectural tricks, became a popular tourist destination, but it also led to a legal battle with John Lister, who accused him of stealing his idea.
What are some of the legends surrounding Spook Hill?
Spook Hill, a gravity spot in Lake Wales, Florida, is surrounded by various legends, including tales of ghost pirates, a vengeful gator, and a Native American warrior chief. These stories add to the mystique of the site and attract tourists who are eager to experience the apparent gravity-defying effects.
Show Notes
PRE-ORDER THE CABINET OF CURIOSITIES BOOK TODAY!
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Folklore is often confined to circles around the campfire or whispered stories at slumber parties. But for a time in America, people turned folklore into things worth traveling to see. And their methods were rather tricky.
Narrated and produced by Aaron Mahnke, with writing and research by GennaRose Nethercott, and music by Chad Lawson.
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