April 2008 Archives
I've talked about it before...but it's looking more and more official every day.
The Spindle aka cars on a stick aka car kabob will soon be torn down.
Created in 1989 by Dustin Shuler, the Spindle has graced Cermak Plaza in Berwyn, IL for almost as long as I've been alive. The sculpture towers above the parked cars in the lot, showcasing vehicles from the late 60s to early 80s impaled on a 50-foot spike. To me, it's best known as being my first real glimpse of roadside oddities, to others it is probably best known for its cameo in the Wayne's World film.
Unfortunately, the years (and birds) haven't been kind to the sculpture, which has been plagues with rust (and feces) for years. Now, the Spindle has a problem that no mechanic can fix: Walgreens.
Yes, my silly American friends, Berwyn now plans to tear down the iconic kabob to put up a brand new Walgreens. Plans have been in place for a while now, and despite efforts of multiple organizations to save it (it's been estimated that it will take $300,000 to move it), it looks like the Spindles fate is futile.
Alas, in what seems like a last-ditch effort, the Spindle is up on eBay. While I'd hate to see it go from my backyard of Berwyn, it would be nice to think that the cars have found a proper home amongst the roadside attractions of America. So...if you have an extra $150,000 to spare... , bid on!
Site: The Spindle
Location: Cermak Plaza, Cermak and Harlem, Berwyn, IL
Admission: Free to see...$150,000+ to purchase
Date: August 12, 2007
This water tower is happy to live in Atlanta, IL.
Site: Smiley Face Water Tower
Location: Atlanta, Illinois
Cost: Free to see.
Hours: Always visible.
Date: July 15, 2007
