In 2003, Punky Beckett got his first piece of what was to become “Punkyville.” That piece was the caboose, a centerpiece of the little burg that is so familiar across Pendleton County.
“[After the caboose came in], Dad built the church, and then the garage,” Amy Hurst, Punky’s daughter recalls.
As each building was built, it took on a theme. Punky collected things to go into the buildings. People gave him items or he purchased things such as glass milk bottles, papers from insurance offices, and even pieces of an old church he was asked to tear down. (“He told the people he didn’t want those things to be destroyed,” Hurst says.)
Punky had a vision to preserve things from the county that he loved and volunteered in prominently, according to Hurst, and with help, he built his little town in order to accomplish that mission.
The site has been featured in magazines and in a movie called Divine Will. Its unique presence in a rather remote area makes it even more fascinating. It has its own personality, just as did the man who built it. Punkyville is located on 27, about a mile and a half from the intersection of State HWY 22 and US 27 at the southern end of Falmouth.
During POP, the site will be open all day, but guides will be available to answer questions from from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Hurst asks that tourists park near the barn at Punkyville. Participants can also park in the grass near the caboose, if needed. The site is always free of charge. Donations are used to maintain the site.
Punkyville will be POP-ping!
Image
Body