Most West Virginians Have Never Heard Of This Fascinating Quirky Museum
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Robin Jarvis
Author
When it comes to off-beat roadside attractions, this often overlooked museum could probably be at the top of the list in The Mountain State. It’s located in Charleston on bustling Kanawha Boulevard only a stone’s throw from the Patrick Street Bridge – yet most people never see it.
This historic memorial/museum is a quintessential reminder of our childhood and of days gone by.
It's a perfectly round structure with window boxes filled with memorabilia about a classic restaurant chain founded here in West Virginia in 1947.
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Shoney's Big Boy actually got its start here in Charleston in 1947 under the name of The Parkette. Hence, the big letters PARKETTE that wrap around the roof of this tiny museum.
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Big Boy memorabilia and information about Shoney's Big Boy creator, Alex Schoenbaum, line the boxes for all to see and reminisce about the rich history of the classic restaurant many of us grew up with.
but also prices from a bygone era we're sure to never see again.
Shoney's Big Boy distributed the comic books for free at each of the restaurants.
According to this link, in 2016, there were 150 remaining Shoney's in 17 states. But there's ONLY ONE Shoney's Big Boy Museum...and it's a fascinating piece of West Virginia history. Have you see it?
Shoney’s Big Boy Museum is located at 1600 Kanawha Blvd. W, Charleston, WV 25387. It’s open 24 hours a day and admission is free.
Love checking out interesting and unusual museums? Here are 9 more of them found right here at home in West Virginia!
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