Yes, this little village is punching waaaay above its weight class in being home to not only the
World's OLDEST Phone Booth, but, as well, the World's LARGEST Penny.
While the
World's OLDEST Phone Booth stands at the
Sal-Crest Motel along the Crowsnest Highway, just east of town, the World's LARGEST Penny resides right downtown along Salmo's main drag. Across the street from the venerable
Salmo Hotel, and a block north, at Third Street, is an open area containing a large information sign, several vintage pieces of machinery and
The Penny.
In the interim Canada has, in the interest of saving taxpayer dollars, done away with the penny, the smallest denomination now being the nickel, or 5¢ piece. This means that the people of Salmo, should they wish to again make such a contribution to the government's coffers, they will have to round up all the hoarded nickels.
A local attraction for 26 years now, the short story of how it came to be follows.
World’s Largest Penny
Salmo is home to the world’s largest penny which stands 8 feet tall. It was dedicated on July 1, 1995, Canada’s birthday, in honor of Penny Power.
Penny Power started in Salmo, on March 10, 1995, as a campaign to collect hoarded pennies and donate them to the government of Canada to reduce the national debt. Salmo residents made this donation as their Greatest Birthday Present, demonstrating a renewed faith in their ability to make a difference. You can see this penny on Highway 6 North.
From the Village of Salmo