Mr. Ed’s Elephant Museum and Candy Emporium, a beloved roadside attraction along Route 30 between Gettysburg and Chambersburg, celebrated its 50th anniversary in colorful style today. Surrounded by about 100 friends and supporters, the family-owned business unveiled a vibrant 28-foot-long hand-painted mural that tells the story of its founder, Edwin Gotwalt – affectionately known as Mr. Ed.
“We chose today for the unveiling because it would have been Ed’s 89th birthday,” said his granddaughter Nichole Bucher, who now owns the business with her husband, Isaac.
The event had a festive atmosphere, complete with free ice cream courtesy of Igloo Ice Cream of Chambersburg, made with Mr. Ed’s signature fudge.
The mural was designed by artist Michael Allison of Hollidaysburg, PA, but painted by more than 200 enthusiastic community volunteers. To make the project approachable for all skill levels, Allison created a massive paint-by-number guide, marking color spots in each section. He later returned to apply final touches and unify the artwork’s style. The finished mural reflects Mr. Ed’s whimsical charm and the rich history of the museum, with special nods to both Ed and his wife Pat.
Highlights of the mural include Ed’s childhood fascination with elephants—sparked by a circus visit in York—his wedding to Pat (where they received their first elephant figurine), and the early days of his store, once dubbed “The World’s Most Unusual General Store.” It also depicts Ed in his cowboy and Santa Claus costumes and traces the move to the current location in 1983, where the museum and emporium took their now-iconic form. One touching section shows three generations of the Gotwalt family who have helped run the business.
The celebration concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring Allison, several volunteer painters, Ed’s wife Pat, and granddaughter Nichole, who all took turns with the ceremonial scissors.
“So many people say they’ve driven by us dozens of times but never stopped in,” Nichole said. “If that sounds like you, take a moment to visit. Come see the mural, explore the elephants, and treat yourself to some candy—you won’t regret it.”
Pete Vogel, freelance reporter and photographer, is a writer and photographer in the Gettysburg Area.