World’s largest teapot restoration marks Hampton hotels’ first oversized endeavor of 2007

A year of "World’s Largest" landmark restorations was kicked off today when Hampton Hotels’ Save-A-Landmark program overhauled the World’s Largest Teapot in Chester, West Virginia. Nearly 20 years since this unique roadside attraction received any sugar, 15 volunteers from local Hampton Hotels in West Virginia and Pennsylvania joined forces to repair the interior of the structure, tear off and replace the Teapot’s worn-out roof and then clean, scrape and sand the surface of the Teapot before meticulously applying gallons of fresh paint – in an estimated 85-hour volunteer effort.

The teapot’s storied history began in 1938 when William "Babe" Devon transported a colossal root beer barrel from Pennsylvania to Chester. He added a lid, spout and handle, transforming it into the world’s largest teapot. In subsequent years it was bought and sold several times, painted, repainted, and was even used to sell lawn garden items and various novelty gifts. Cherished by town residents and visitors, the world’s largest teapot was finally donated to the city in the late 1980s.

"Chester’s Teapot has brought smiles to passing motorists for decades, and we’re proud to make it our first project in a year of world’s largest landmark restorations," said Judy Christa-Cathey, vice president of brand marketing for Hampton Hotels. "In addition, Hampton is helping to ensure the teapot will bring smiles for years to come, by contributing more than $15,000 toward the restoration and ongoing care of the landmark."

The Save-A-Landmark program is always searching for landmarks in need, but with a goal of refurbishing six oversized sites in 2007, Hampton needs the public to help by nominating their favorite world’s largest landmarks. Anyone with suggestions can visit the Save-A-Landmark Web site at www.hamptonlandmarks.com and click on "submit a landmark" to enter their nominations – or even just to bring some much-deserved attention to any favorite attraction.

Those looking to stand in the shadow of a larger-than-life landmark can also access the Web site for a host of ideas. Following are just a sampling of world’s largest sites already housed in the database:

- The Big Duck, Flanders, N.Y.: This 20-foot-tall, 40-foot-wide gift shop was built in 1931 to lure travelers to purchase Peking ducks. Known as the "world’s largest duck," the Big Duck is not only a treasured Long Island landmark, but is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was restored by Hampton Hotel's Save-A-Landmark program in August 2000.

- World’s Largest Santa Claus, North Pole, Alaska: More than 48 feet tall and 33 feet wide, this gigantic statue stands next to the world famous Santa Claus House and was restored by Hampton’s Save-A-Landmark program in December 2000.

- World’s Tallest Fountain, Phoenix, Ariz.: Ironically, the tallest fountain in the world is found in the desert. Shooting eight tons of water as high as 625 feet at a rate of 7,000 gallons a minute, this fountain is the signature element of a master-planned residential community called Fountain Hills.

- Giant Prospector, north of Carson City, Nev.: Kneeling next to a chocolate factory, the Giant Prospector makes for a one-of-a-kind, kitschy roadside photo opportunity.

From helping the 80-foot Blue Whale in Catoosa, Okla. to the historical National Monument to the Forefathers in Plymouth, Mass., the Save-A-Landmark program is beginning its eighth year preserving historical, fun and cultural landmarks. During this time, the program has helped research landmarks in need, promoted landmark sites and their importance, facilitated thousands of volunteer hours, donated several tons of supplies and worked with matching grants — all at an investment of more than $2 million. Banding its hotels together in the communities they serve, Hampton employee-volunteers work hand-in-hand on the landmarks while Hampton provides the dollars to refurbish selected sites.

Submissions can be made online by clicking the Save-A-Landmark icon at www.hamptonlandmarks.com or by mailing recommendations c/o Save-A-Landmark to 8730 Sunset Blvd, Fifth Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

About Hampton Hotels
Hampton, which includes Hampton Inn and Hampton Inn & Suites Hotels, is a mid-priced leader in the lodging segment. Hampton is part of Hilton Hotels Corporation, the leading global hospitality company, with more than 2,800 hotels and 500,000 rooms in 78 countries and territories, including 105,000 team members worldwide.

CONTACT:
Monica Gaston/Tori Roberson
Hampton Brand Communications
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TN 38117
(901) 374-5534
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