Living Large - Some of the World's Largest Stuff

November 9 2009 by Mark Deyer

largest-basket-wr.jpgAmerica is a great place. It is the land of hope, opportunity and many of the world's largest things (like Best Western - The World's Largest Hotel Chain).

I remember the first time I came across something that bared the name "World's Largest". I was 4 years old, riding down Interstate 94 just outside of Detroit, Michigan. I looked to my right and my eyes locked in on the world's largest tire. The tire, built by the Uniroyal Tire Company, stands proud at about 80 feet tall and weighs 12 tons. I can remember, even at a young age, marveling how completely unnecessary such an object was. Unnecessary, sure--but, so cool.

Since that day, I've always made an effort to seek out many of the other "World's Largest" when traveling. They range from kitschy to cool, tall to wide, and homemade to complete and total engineering masterpieces. They are a great cross section of America. They are built on every budget and can appeal to the oldest and youngest of travelers.

Here are a few of my favorite "world's largest" objects:

World's Largest Yo-Yo, Chico, CA - Appropriately located in the National Yo-Yo Museum, the world's largest yo-yo is one of my favorites because it actually works. Weighing in at over 250 lbs, I doubt it gets tested much, though.

World's Largest Grandfather Clock, Kewaunee, WI - If you ever find yourself visiting Green Bay, Wisconsin, swing by the headquarters to Svoboda Industries. They are home to a 35 foot grandfather clock. The clock even shows the correct time.

World's Largest Teapot, Chester, WV - It's not the prettiest teapot you've ever seen, but it will certainly be the largest. This teapot has some history, having been built over 70 years ago. The bright red and white paint job makes it hard to miss.

World's Largest Rocking Chair, Cuba, MO - A stone's throw from Route 66, the world's largest rocking chair is just over 42 feet tall. Although the chair is welded to a concrete base nowadays, this chair did at one time rock back and forth while earning its Guinness Book of Record designation as world's largest.

World's Largest Basket, Newark, OH - While not technically a basket, I have to mention this as one of my favorites. The folks at Longaberger Company, makers of baskets, have quite a sense of humor and designed their headquarters to be an exact replica of their most popular basket model. Complete with a weave-like face and 150 ton basket handle, this place is worth a visit.

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