Who Started the Gum Wall?: Uncovering the Sticky Truth
The Gum Wall, located in Post Alley under Pike Place Market in Seattle, wasn’t started by any single individual, but rather through a spontaneous and collective act of passersby who began sticking their gum to the wall sometime in the early 1990s.
The Birth of the Sticky Situation
The Gum Wall, a seemingly bizarre tourist attraction in Seattle, didn’t appear overnight. Its origins are rooted in a confluence of circumstance, location, and a bit of rebellion. Understanding its genesis requires exploring the initial spark and the subsequent evolution of this unusual landmark.
The Early Days: Theater and Chewing
The wall’s location is critical. It’s situated in Post Alley, a narrow pedestrian walkway adjacent to Pike Place Market and, crucially, the Market Theater. People waiting to see shows at the theater, particularly those in the audience of Unexpected Productions, a long-running improv comedy troupe, are widely credited with starting the tradition.
- Initial Spark: Patrons, presumably tired of finding places to dispose of their gum, started sticking it to the wall while waiting in line.
- Early Expansion: What began as a few isolated pieces of gum quickly multiplied as others followed suit, creating a growing, albeit initially localized, phenomenon.
- Theater Connection: The close proximity of the Market Theater, particularly its improv shows, fostered a sense of community and playful irreverence that likely contributed to the wall’s growth.
The Escalation and the City’s Response
As the gum accumulation grew, the city attempted to clean it up multiple times. Each attempt, however, proved futile as people immediately resumed sticking their gum back on the wall. This cycle of removal and re-deposition only fueled the wall’s expansion and solidified its rebellious charm.
- Failed Cleanups: The city attempted to remove the gum in the late 1990s and early 2000s, but these efforts were ultimately unsuccessful.
- Growing Momentum: The public, viewing the wall as a unique and quirky attraction, continued to add their gum, effectively “voting” for its continued existence.
- Acceptance: Eventually, the city essentially conceded and accepted the Gum Wall as a permanent fixture of Post Alley.
The Great Gum Removal of 2015
In November 2015, after decades of accumulation, the city undertook a massive and unprecedented cleanup of the Gum Wall. The estimated cost was $4,000 and it took several days.
- Reasons for Removal: Concerns about structural integrity and potential health hazards prompted the cleanup. The gum was estimated to be several inches thick in places and was damaging the brickwork.
- The Process: Workers used high-pressure hot water to blast the gum off the wall.
- Unexpected Result: The cleanup, while extensive, did not deter people from immediately restarting the gum-sticking tradition, proving the wall’s enduring appeal.
The Gum Wall Today: A Tourist Attraction and a Controversial Landmark
Today, the Gum Wall is a major tourist attraction, drawing thousands of visitors each year who contribute to its ever-growing, colorful, and decidedly sticky surface. However, it remains a subject of debate, with some viewing it as a unique art installation and others considering it a unsanitary eyesore.
- Tourist Destination: The wall attracts visitors from around the world who come to witness its unique spectacle and contribute their own piece of gum.
- Artistic Interpretation: Some view the wall as a form of interactive public art, a constantly evolving canvas created by the collective actions of countless individuals.
- Sanitary Concerns: Others express concerns about hygiene and potential health risks associated with the gum accumulation.
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Origin | Spontaneous accumulation by theatergoers and passersby in the early 1990s |
| Location | Post Alley, under Pike Place Market, Seattle |
| Key Factor | Proximity to the Market Theater and its improv comedy shows |
| City Response | Initially attempted cleanups, followed by acceptance and eventual major removal |
| Current Status | Major tourist attraction; ongoing debate about its artistic merit and sanitation |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Gum Wall in Post Alley?
Post Alley provides a unique environment: a narrow, pedestrian-only thoroughfare alongside the Market Theater. This combination, coupled with the lack of readily available trash receptacles, encouraged the initial gum deposition and subsequent growth. The theater’s atmosphere likely played a role, promoting a sense of playful rebellion.
Was there a specific person who started it?
No, there is no single “founder” of the Gum Wall. Its origin is attributed to a collective behavior, a spontaneous act of many individuals over time. It’s an example of an emergent phenomenon rather than a planned initiative.
How much gum is on the Gum Wall?
It is impossible to know precisely how much gum is currently on the wall. Estimates before the 2015 cleanup placed the amount at over one million pieces, weighing several tons. Even after the cleanup, the wall is rapidly regaining its former stickiness.
Is the Gum Wall sanitary?
Sanitary is not a word typically associated with the Gum Wall. While it presents a visually striking spectacle, it is undoubtedly a breeding ground for bacteria and other microorganisms. The city’s 2015 cleanup addressed serious concerns about structural damage and potential health hazards.
Has the Gum Wall ever been cleaned?
Yes, the Gum Wall underwent a major cleaning in November 2015. The cleanup involved using high-pressure hot water to remove the gum from the brickwork. However, the gum-sticking tradition quickly resumed after the cleanup.
What happens to the gum that is removed during cleanings?
The gum that was removed in 2015 was disposed of in a landfill. Because of its non-biodegradable nature and the potential for contamination, recycling was not an option.
What kind of gum is most often found on the Gum Wall?
There is no specific type of gum that dominates the Gum Wall. A wide variety of brands, flavors, and colors are represented. Many people choose gum based on color or flavor preferences when contributing to the wall.
Are there any rules about adding gum to the wall?
Officially, there are no rules prohibiting the addition of gum to the wall. However, it is generally understood that contributors should avoid placing gum in areas that could cause damage or obstruction.
Is the Gum Wall a form of art?
Whether the Gum Wall qualifies as art is a matter of subjective interpretation. Some view it as a unique example of interactive public art, a constantly evolving canvas created by the collective actions of countless individuals. Others consider it an unsanitary eyesore.
Has the Gum Wall inspired similar attractions elsewhere?
The Gum Wall has likely inspired similar, smaller-scale gum walls in other locations, although none have achieved the same level of notoriety. Its existence demonstrates the potential for unintentional art and the power of collective behavior.
How does the Gum Wall affect the surrounding businesses?
The Gum Wall is a significant tourist attraction, which can benefit nearby businesses by drawing more foot traffic to the area. However, it can also present challenges, such as increased congestion and concerns about cleanliness. The overall impact is likely a net positive.
What is the future of the Gum Wall?
The future of the Gum Wall is uncertain. It is likely to remain a popular tourist attraction for the foreseeable future, but the city may need to consider further cleanups if the gum accumulation poses significant structural or health concerns. Its continued existence depends on a balance between public appeal and practical considerations.