Roadside Dreams and Reality: The Unbelievable Story of Mark Cline

Have you ever had a dream so vivid, so out there, that it seemed impossible? Well, Mark Cline didn't just dream; he built. From a young age, he was crafting, creating, and captivating those around him in Waynesboro, Virginia. Who knew that a snowman contest winner at 7, portraying the Statue of Liberty, would grow up to be the mastermind behind some of the most wonderfully weird roadside attractions in the US?

Mark Cline's story is anything but ordinary. Picture this: a kid who made the local paper in 1968 for a creative snowman, and who later created "Adventures With George" in sixth grade. He even played Superboy in backyard films. It wasn't just a hobby; it was a sign of things to come. At 12, a visit to Dinosaur Land in White Post, Virginia, sealed his destiny. He told his dad he'd create something just as amazing one day. And boy, did he deliver!

Post-high school, Cline was a bit of a nomad, traveling the country by river and motorcycle. He supported himself by snapping photos of tourists posing with his two-headed biker sculpture. Eventually, he returned to Waynesboro, trying to find a place for his creativity. He even pitched a Mad Anthony Wayne sculpture to the city, but got nowhere.

In 1982, he landed in Natural Bridge, Virginia, and opened the Monster Museum on Route 11. It was filled with his "ghoulish creations," but things were tough. By 1984, financial troubles were dragging him down. But then, an epiphany struck him. He wasn't just making monsters; he wanted to make people happy.

So, in 1985, he transformed the Monster Museum into the Enchanted Castle. Imagine sitting on a 10-foot tick, getting "zapped to Venus," or watching a pig bungee jump! He even opened his workshop for visitors to see his creations come to life. Soon, he was getting commissions for mini-golf courses, haunted houses, and even big names like Six Flags and Jellystone Park. And yes, he did eventually get to create dinosaurs for Dinosaur Land, the place that inspired it all.

Life wasn't always smooth sailing. In 1997, a mock séance with a baseball team put him on the radar of some very critical groups. They labeled his museum "the work of Satan," and on April 9, 2001, the Enchanted Castle burned down. A disturbing letter arrived, saying, "Fire represents God's judgment." But Cline wasn't done yet.

Natural Bridge gave him an abandoned mansion to rebuild, and the Haunted Monster Museum reopened months later. It was even more bizarre and wonderful, with skeletons of the Marx Brothers and a 15-foot Frankenchicken. Dinosaur Kingdom followed, with prehistoric creatures fighting Civil War soldiers, and then Foamhenge, a life-size Stonehenge replica, in 2004.

More challenges came in 2012 when the ground gave way, taking many dinosaurs with it. The Haunted Monster Museum burned down again! But Mark Cline? He's still going. He hosts ghost tours in Lexington and runs Dinosaur Kingdom II, which opened in 2016. His story is a wild ride of creativity, resilience and a desire to make people smile.

What do you think of Mark Cline's journey? Have you visited any of his creations? Share your thoughts below! And if you've enjoyed this story, perhaps you might consider supporting the ongoing efforts to keep these unique attractions alive and kicking. Even a small gesture can help these imaginative worlds continue to thrive and delight visitors for years to come.

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Jerry Torre: The Marble Faun of Grey Gardens: A Journey through Life and Art Book Review

A few weeks ago, I posted an account of how I became aware of the film "Grey Gardens" and my recollection of how I realized I had met Jerry a few years after I met him. I recently had the pleasure of reconnected with Jerry Torre and acquired my very own autographed copy of his memoir, "The Marble Faun of Grey Gardens," a fascinating dive into his extraordinary life. Born and raised in Brooklyn, Torre's early years were anything but ordinary. Growing up, he had a difficult childhood filled with hardship and adversity. Despite these challenges, he managed to carve out a unique path for himself, leading to his unexpected journey to Grey Gardens.

Jerry's involvement with Grey Gardens began in the mid-1970s when he was just 16 years old. He stumbled upon the decaying mansion while working as a gardener in the Hamptons. There, he met the reclusive yet charismatic Edith Ewing Bouvier Beale ("Big Edie") and her daughter Edith Bouvier Beale ("Little Edie"), relatives of Jackie Kennedy Onassis. Jerry quickly became a trusted friend and confidant to the Beales, earning the nickname "The Marble Faun" for his youthful appearance and artistic interests. His stories from this period are both enchanting and heartbreaking, offering a rare glimpse into the lives of the Beales and the eerie beauty of Grey Gardens.

In "The Marble Faun of Grey Gardens," Torre paints a vivid picture of his time at the mansion, capturing the eccentric charm and poignant moments shared with the Beales. The memoir also delves into his life beyond Grey Gardens, exploring his journey in the art world and his personal growth. After leaving Grey Gardens, Jerry pursued a career in sculpture, working with renowned artists and eventually becoming an accomplished sculptor in his own right. His artistic talents and resilience are evident throughout the book, making it a captivating read.

"The Marble Faun of Grey Gardens" is an engaging and deeply moving memoir that highlights the power of friendship, resilience, and the pursuit of art. Jerry Torre's story is not only a testament to his unique life but also a tribute to the enduring legacy of Grey Gardens and the Beales. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in memoirs, art, or the fascinating history of Grey Gardens.

If you are interested in purchasing a personalized autographed copy of Jerry's book, contact him through his Facebook page and I'm sure he will be more than happy to oblige.

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