Castle Northmoor, Northmoor, Missouri
N 39° 11.160 W 094° 36.118
15S E 361643 N 4338639
A definite roadside attraction, this special castle also has a geocache (GCX612)
Waymark Code: WMBXMB
Location: Missouri, United States
Date Posted: 07/01/2011
Views: 20
Here is a brief recount of the castle:
Harlan Shaver, of the tiny burg called Northmoor that sits in the shadow of Kansas City, spent part of his life in the construction business, had heard of men in Iowa and Florida who had built their own castles, which prompted him to start his own castle-building project around 1981. The stone castle, which is in the form of a tower, took two years to complete, and measures 40 feet tall, 16 feet across. It is decorated with Shaver's handmake oak doors (one is said to weigh 250 pounds), handmade hammered-iron scrolls and hinges on the doors, his own oil paintings of knights, and features cast concrete lion gargoyles that provide drainage for the roof; the rainwater pours thru their mouths (and one lion is outfited with a security camera in his mouth.) A spiral staircase provides access to the entire tower.
About the builder:
The Kansas City Star interviewed the builder of the Northmoor Castle for their December 5, 1995 article that appeared in the "Our Town" section of the newspaper. (A laminated copy of the article is in the "treasure chest" for geocachers and other visitors to enjoy). Harlan Shaver, then 84 years old, was described as a 5 ft 6 inch tall dynamo, quick witted, quick of movement, and quick to share his story. An incredibly active man, he had a diverse life. He met his wife while both were involved in the development of the B-25 bomber during WWII, was a talented musician, artist, and extremely active; he was known to do one-arm pushups and ride his bicycle until his death in his early 90's.
Price of Admission: 0.00 (listed in local currency)
Weekday Hours: From: 9:00 AM To: 5:00 AM
Weekend Hours: From: 9:00 AM To: 5:00 AM
Roadside Attractions Website: [Web Link]
Location Website: Not listed
|
Visit Instructions:
When posting a new log for a waymark, please include a picture if there isn't one included on the original posting. Add your thoughts about the roadside attraction and let everyone know if it is worth while stopping to see.