I admit, I don’t know much about Gumby and Pokey. I’m a 70’s child so the Claymation characters featured in the 1960’s TV series was a bit before my time, and I never watched the movie made in the mid-90’s. But when I was searching for roadside attractions on my road trip to LA and had a chance to see a giant Gumby and Pokey, I knew I couldn’t resist the opportunity.
Gumby and Pokey are fashioned of metal and are located in the front yard of a private residence in Norco, California. While I don’t normally welcome the opportunity to photography kitschy public art in one’s front yard, these were too cute to pass up. There is a large gravel drive that runs along the road so roadside attraction enthusiasts as myself can stop and take a few photos. Gumby is behind a fence and Pokey is right beside their driveway, so you really can’t pose with the figures without trespassing, but you can easily and quickly snap a couple photos from inside your car.
Like many roadside attractions, I wasn’t able to find out much information about the structures, but according to Roadside Architecture, Gumby was built by Dave Williams, the homeowner in 2002 and stands 12 ½ feet tall. Pokey was built sometime later. You’ll find this fun and quirky attraction at 4175 California Street Norco, California. If you’re a big fan, you may be pleased to know the property is for sale.
While you’re in the area, you may want to take a bit of time to explore. I found myself wishing I didn’t have to rush to LA, but couldn’t risk missing my flight. Norco is a very unique town and is a must for horse lover’s. Known as “Horsetown USA”, this unique destination has tack shops, bridle trails instead of sidewalks, and corrals and hitching posts at most businesses in town so you’ll see many residents leaving the cars in the driveway and riding their horses instead. This is definitely one of those destinations that will require a bit of time to discover.
Do you love roadside attractions? Tell me about the wackiest attraction you’ve ever seen.
