The Strange Atlas Statue at an Auto Body Shop in New Eagle Pa

 New Eagle along the Monongahela River in Washington County Pa is one of those sleepy river towns with not much going on typical antique shops and small business except for one business where a statue is out of place .

A full size statute  of Atlas holding a globe all in gold tone  at Eddie Volkers Body Shop on Main Street .

Meant as an eye catcher  advertisement many wonder where did this statue come from?


 

Well back in the 1970's Pittsburgh saw the opening of 3 high end health clubs known as European Health Spas.   which where owned by Fitness Guru at the time Jack La lane

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_LaLanne

 

Who had a morning exercise show which was nationwide on TV I remember watching it in 60s when i was a little kid.

So investors approached Jack about opening health clubs with a European Spa touch across the country and Pittsburgh was lucky to get 3 .

One in Wilkins Twp on Business 22 where  Shop n Save now sits on Clairton Blvd. Pa 51 in White Hall and one in North Hills near former North Way Mall

They where ahead of their time and very popular and helped popularize the athletic wear movement . We had a couple guys in my High School Gym classes that would come in wearing the classy tracksuits to class. 

They where eventually bought out in  70s by Ballys and all 3 went out of business in 80s 

The clubs had a unique round shape and a statue of Atlas holding a Globe on his back 

Unfortunately the 3 clubs in Pittsburgh closed early and 2 caught fire Route 51 and Wilkins after sitting vacant for a time
Mr Volker picked up the statue at an auction and why not he restores body's to beautiful shape even thou-they are cars .




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