Roadside America

Thanks for posting this about Roadside America. My grandmother Sophie knew the original owner Mr. Gehringer.

FYI; Roadside America is actually in Shartlesville PA just west of Hamburg. Allentown is about 50 minutes east on I-78. I grew up in Reading PA so I know the area a bit. Or from Hamburg you can take route 22 to Shartlesville or use route 183(Bernville Road)from Reading to either I-78 or local route 22.

Lee Fritz

Lee beat me to it, I was wondering when they moved to Allentown as they're not all that close to Allentown, about 30 miles west.

Not clear to me how payment is made. "GoFundMe?" WTH is that? Just another place wanting my CC number? I'm reluctant to give them that. Too many places have my # already!

They ought to be using Paypal IMO.

GoFundMe is a program where people can donate to various causes. Of course there are fees involved. Our organization did not fare well so I just told people to send us a check if they wanted to donate.

Terry Danks posted:

Not clear to me how payment is made. "GoFundMe?" WTH is that? Just another place wanting my CC number? I'm reluctant to give them that. Too many places have my # already!

They ought to be using Paypal IMO.

I know that Paypal has fees as well. Did not know that Go Fund me had any fees, thanks Don.

FYI; Paypal has shut down my account permanently because of debit card issues I had about 6 months ago. Paypal is very, very fussy and I would never use them again even if I could.

Lee Fritz

Yes, I have VERY fond memories of visits to Roadside America as I was growing up.  We lived in Washington, D.C., and my sisters attended a summer camp for girls in the Poconos.  Roadside America was a must-stop....for at least Dad and me!...in the early 50's as the family made the road trip through that area.

I'll be happy to make a donation, but would appreciate a snail-mail address to do so.

OTOH, it would help publicize this issue to have one or more of the hobby magazines do an article on Roadside America.  Yes, I know there have been several articles through the tens of years, but younger generations may not be as aware of this awesome creation/layout.  Just a thought.

KD

Roadside America

109 Roadside Drive, P. O. Box 2, Shartlesville, PA 19554

GPS users may need to use: Bernville, PA 19506

Phone: (610) 488-6241

http://roadsideamericainc.com/

I suppose if you mailed them a check they would not refuse it. 

GoFundMe is one of a number of crowd sourcing or crowd funding operations. Sites like this are often used to raise $ for charitable causes or notable events. 

It is not uncommon to see a news story where a family was a victim of a crime, and they set up a GoFundMe (or similar) site to raise money for expenses. Or a couple getting married sets up such a site for their friends and family to contribute. Or a historical society sets up a site to raise funds for their organization. Or an upstart business sets up a site to raise start up capital.

Fairly recent movement, say last ten years or so. Those who don't watch the news or get out much may have missed the whole movement.

I've been thinking of setting up a GoFundMe page to build my train room building.

Anyone that contributes is welcome to visit the layout.

Terry Danks posted:

Not clear to me how payment is made. "GoFundMe?" WTH is that? Just another place wanting my CC number? I'm reluctant to give them that. Too many places have my # already!

They ought to be using Paypal IMO.

I share your concern about credit cards to unknown internet sites. I directly sent Roadside America a check.