Museum dedicated to Big Mac-North Huntingdon, PA

In 1967, Jim Delliatti was thinking “out of the box” when he introduced a new menu item at his Uniontown, PA, restaurant.  While it’s hard to say whether or not he anticipated his creation—now served in a box-like package--as one of the most recognized menu items available today.

Jim Delliatti introduced
the Big Mac in
Uniontown, PA, in 1967.
Big Mac Museum photo.

To learn more about Delliatti and his notorious “Big Mac” sandwich, seek out the Big Mac Museum in North Huntingdon, PA. An operating McDonald’s restaurant, the establishment offers the same menu as other chain locations and includes an indoor play area for kids. Unique to the museum is the World’s Largest Big Mac--measuring 14’ high and 12’ wide--a fake hamburger balanced on a silver pedestal.

In the 1960s, Delliatti owned and operated several McDonald’s restaurants in the Pittsburgh area, and was in competition with the “Big Boy” sandwich at the Eat‘n Park restaurant chain. Recognizing that McDonald’s needed a product more geared to adults, Delliatti invented the burger and introduced it at his Uniontown establishment for 45 cents. An impressive 600 million Big Macs are now sold yearly. 

The Big Mac Museum was opened
in North Huntingdon, PA, in 2007.

Although the burger was pleasing to the palate, its name proved distasteful in its marketing. Originally called the Aristocrat, the name was not only puzzling but difficult to pronounce. Changing to Blue Ribbon Burger didn’t remedy the situation. It took a 21-year-old advertising secretary named Esther Rose to convince key management to change the name to the now-iconic, Big Mac.

In 1968, Delliatti persuaded the McDonald’s chain to put his Big Mac into nationwide distribution and as they say, "the rest is history."

The signature sandwich was used in the franchises’ advertising campaigns including the famous jingle of the mid-1970s--Two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickle, onions--on a sesame seed bun. Officer Big Mac, a character in the fictional McDonaldland, was also used for advertising purposes. The town's Chief of Police, the figure wore a constable uniform and sported a large Big Mac for its head.

The World's Largest Big Mac statue
is located in the Big Mac Museum
in North Huntingdon, PA. It's 14' high. 

Along with its oversize famous hamburger statue, the Big Mac museum consists of timelines with photographs and factoids from idea to inception. To enjoy all of the showcases of awards, history of packaging displays, and bobble-heads of the Delliatti employees, it’s best to visit during off-peak periods to navigate around the memorabilia displayed throughout the restaurant's eating area.

The Big Mac Museum opened on August 22, 2007 to celebrate

the sandwich's 40^th anniversary. While some Uniontown residents were said to have been unhappy with its location, a McDonald’s spokesperson said the decision was "based on ease of highway access.”

The Big Mac Museum is located at 9061 Route 30, North Huntingdon, PA. (One-half mile west of I6/Pennsylvania Turnpike exit 67.) For more information, telephone (724) 863-9837. Free admission.

More photos of the Big Mac Museum below.

Special thanks to Curtis McCormick for his photography and help with this blog post. 

©2015 Kendal R. Miller-All Rights Reserved
Photos by Photography by Kendal 

©2015 Photos by Curtis McCormick
Frames, Phrases, and Photography by Kendal, LLC

The Big Mac Museum opened in North Huntingdon, PA, in
2007 and celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Big Mac.
Photo by Curtis McCormick. 

Wallpaper in the Big Mac Museum shows various
McDonald's locations. The famous jingle, "Two all-beef patties..."
(you know the rest) is inscribed on this
table top Big Mac statue. 

Photos and factoids along with timelines are part of the decor
of the Big Mac Museum located in North Huntingdon, PA.

Photos of the history of the Big Mac on laminated on tables
 and framed on the walls of the restaurant area of the museum.
Showcases are filled with more memorabilia. For a better look,
plan your visit during off-peak hours. 

PHOTO BOMB! :) Trying to get a photo in front of the famous
"World's Largest Big Mac" can pose problems such as a young
customers who run into the scene unexpectedly.
 Photo by Curtis McCormick. 

Meeting my photobomber at the Big Mac Museum
in North Huntingdon, PA. Photo by Curtis McCormick. 

Tyson Temple Church dedicted to worship, family-Versailles, IN

A drive along Route 50 into Versailles, IN, will lead one to discover a silver cross glistening in the

sky near its historic downtown. Upon further investigation, the symbol's 65-foot open-work cast

aluminum base with unique cone spire comes into view.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Tyson Temple United Methodist Church is not only a place of worship but a unique example of Art Deco architecture. Inspired by designs found

The church spire is 65 foot high and 8 feet
in diameter. Photo by Kendal R. Miller.

during his travels, James H. Tyson--later known as "Uncle Jim"--created a trust fund that would finance the construction of the Tyson Temple.

The structure is unique in that it is made without wood, therefore not utilizing nails in construction. With the lack of hammering, Tyson was called a "Temple," just as when Israel built its temple. The church is constructed of concrete, steel, stone, terra cotta, glazed and glass brick, and stone.

Born in Versailles in 1846, James H. Tyson worked at a local newspaper becoming an itinerant printer by age 15. Traveling around the U.S., he eventually opened a small shop in Chicago in the late 1800's. It was while living in the same boarding house Tyson befriended Charles Walgreen, a drug store owner.

Mr. Tyson and Mr. Walgreen became close friends, with Tyson eventually helping Walgreen open his second drug store with an $1500 investment--what became the start of the Walgreen Drug Company.

Tyson Temple United Methodist Church
is located in Versailles, IN, and was
 dedicated in 1937. Photo by Kendal R. Miller.

While Mr. Tyson remained in the printing industry, he also assumed the role of treasurer of the drug company. With a change of Illinois law in 1926, only pharmacists were allowed to hold an officer position. Having to give up the treasurer's position, Mr. Tyson took charge of the company's insurance.

Never married, Mr. Tyson created a trust fund of 18,000 shares of Walgreen stock to be used to build a new Methodist Church. The arrangement was to replace the Versailles Church where his mother was a charter member since it was organized in 1834. According to the trust agreement, the new place of worship was to be built "to the glory of God" and in memory of Mr. Tyson's mother, Eliza Adams Tyson.

Designed by the Indianapolis firm of Odle, McGuire & Schook, Tyson Temple United Methodist Church was constructed by Bruns & Gutzwiller, Inc. of Batesville for the sum of $150,000. Dedicated in May 1937, the church remains open for worship service to this day.

The lumber for the church pews were made from oak, and
felled in Ripley County. The stars on the wall and ceiling
are in configuration of the stars on the night that "Uncle Jim's"
mother passed. Photo by Kendal R. Miller.

Along with architectural features that Mr. Tyson discovered through his travels, the church is filled with symbols that has either personal or biblical significance.

The interior church doors are made of bronze and are patterned from the doors of a ship, a form of travel that Uncle Jim enjoyed. The unique handrail is believed to be similar to what Mr. Tyson saw utilized in a church in France. The pews were constructed in Batesville, from timber felled in Ripley County.

While several renovations were made since it's initial construction, the church remains as close to the original structure as possible.

The church is located at 324 West Tyson Street in Versailles, IN. For more information about the Tyson Temple United Methodist Church or to schedule a group tour, contact (812) 689-6976 or e-mail tysonumc@insightbb.com. Information on services can be found at tysonumc.org.

More photos of the Tyson Temple Church are below.

©2015 All copy and photos. All rights reserved.
Photography by Kendal, LLC. 

James H. Tyson was born in Versailles, IN, in 1856. He
made a trust fund in 1926 to finance the construction of
 Tyson Temple United Methodist Church. It was dedicated
 in 1937 and remains open today. Group tours welcome. 

A stone with "Eliza Adams Tyson" is
 inset in the vestibule, honoring
"Uncle Jim's" mother. 

The stars on the ceiling are in the same
 configuration of when Mr. Tyson's mother died.
The gold leaf in the dome above the choir
and the silver leaf on the pillars were imported
from central Germany. 

Rounded corners, arches, columns, and
unique railings are some of the architectural
features that Mr. Tyson found through his travels and
re-created in the Tyson Temple United Methodist Church. 

The inside church doors are made of bronze
and are patterned after doors of a ship--a
form of transportation that Mr. Tyson enjoyed utilizing. 

Tyson United Methodist Church is entered into the
National Register of Historic Places. It also received the
Rosemary Prentice Award for Historic Preservation for
restoration work in 2006. The honor was given to the church by
the Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana. 

The golden arch symbolizes the rainbow
after the flood with the silver representing sheaves
of wheat. The Bible is said to refer to
people/church as wheat.

Special thanks to Katherine Taul, executive director of Ripley County Tourism, and the Tyson Temple United Methodist Church staff for their help for this blog post. For more information on Ripley County, log-on to ripleycountytourism.com. 

Fall Fun at Trax Farms Market-Finleyville, PA

Thousands of pumpkins and gourds nestled inside wooden carts are showcased alongside colorful mums at Trax Farms Market. Located in Finleyville, PA, this family-owned farm and greenhouse is not only a feast for the eyes but an indulgence for the palate and soul.

With year-around activities and events, Trax is a multi-faceted destination with nursery and garden shop, seasonal décor, antiques, and more. Operating since 1865, the establishment boasts itself as "Your Place in the Country."  

The Farmer’s Market at Trax is packed with fresh home grown fruits and vegetables artfully displayed and ready to savor "as is" or in a favorite recipe. The wine shop features wine-themed gifts, décor and free tastings from Arrowhead Wine Cellars of Erie, PA.   

The wine shop at Trax Farms features wine-related gifts
and free samples from Arrowhead Wine Cellars of Erie. 

A selection of craft beer and ale is available along with fresh-pressed apple cider for those who prefer a non-alcoholic libation. Treat yourself to a complimentary cider sample before you buy.  

With a deli, bakery, and specialty market, guests can choose from delectable delights to take home or enjoy in Trax's dining area and Garden Café. Custom gift baskets are available.

Home grown fruit at Trax Farms Market.

Currently celebrating their 46^th annual Fall Festival, Trax pulls out all the stops with weekend activities through October 25 including music, a Rainbow Express Train, fun house, rock wall, pony rides, bounce house, and more. Admission is free, with individual activities priced at $6 and under per child.

Weather permitting, evening tractor-pulled hayrides are available Wednesday and Friday evenings through October 30 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Scarecrows welcome guests to a challenging four-acre corn maze and pumpkin patch overlooking a beautiful view of the farm. Prices are $8 per adult and $6 for children. (Pumpkin purchases additional.) 

Seasonal decor is available
at Trax Farms. 

Upcoming events include a Holiday Tea on Saturday, November 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For $20, enjoy many varieties along with tea sandwiches, scones, jam, and more. A Holiday Wine Tasting with Nick Mobilia, owner of Arrowhead Wine Cellars, takes place on Sunday, November 22, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Reservations for both events can be made by calling (412) 835-3246. (Guests must be at least 21 to attend the wine tasting.)

A Night with St. Nick will be the Saturday after Thanksgiving with a breakfast or lunch with Santa on weekends before Christmas. 

For more information and recipes, log on to the Trax Farms website at traxfarms.com. Trax is on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.  

(More photos from Trax Farms Market below.)

Trax Farms, 528 Trax Rd., Finleyville, PA 15332

(12 miles south of Pittsburgh on Route 88) 

Monday-Saturday-9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

(412) 835-3246

Groups tours welcome

Trax Farms Market is multi-faceted destination with a nursery and garden shop,
seasonal home décor, antique loft, and more. Join in their year-around activities and events.  

Trax deli and bakery offers a wide array of delectable delights.

"A Great Big Pumpkin" is a 1614 pound pumpkin grown by Allen & Julia Brady of Dilliner, PA. On display at Trax through the end of October 2015. 

A large selection of home decor and gifts can be found at Trax Farms Market. 

Thousands of pumpkins and gourds are available for sale at Trax Farms Market. 

© 2015 Kendal R. Miller 

Photos by Photography by Kendal
Frames, Phrases, and Photography by Kendal, LLC

Copy and photos. All rights reserved.