Fire Destroys Central Pennsylvania Elephant Attraction

A Central Pennsylvania candy store and kitschy museum of all things elephantine has been destroyed by a fire.

Mr. Ed’s Elephant Museum burned Monday night in Orrtanna, near Gettysburg. Fire officials say the store’s taffy and gum room was badly damaged.

The museum is home to a collection of some elephant-themed toys and objects. The room that houses the collection was damaged by smoke and water.

Ed Gotwalt opened the museum as a roadside attraction in 1975. He says he’ll rebuild.

A state police fire marshal is investigating.