Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-04-08 Origin: Site
Standing proudly at the entrance of a business park in Riverside, California, the World's Largest Paper Cup commands attention with its impressive stature. This remarkable monument features:
A towering height of 68.1 feet
Solid concrete construction
Plain white exterior (currently)
Originally erected in 1958, it served as the iconic symbol of the Lily-Tulip Cup Corporation's manufacturing facility. Though the factory ceased operations in 1997, this colossal structure remains as a testament to America's industrial heritage.
The story of the World’s Largest Paper Cup is closely tied to the rise and evolution of the paper cup industry in the United States, particularly through the trajectory of one of its key players—Lily-Tulip Cup Corporation.
Lily-Tulip began its operations in 1911, headquartered in New York. As demand for disposable paper products grew across the country, the company strategically relocated in 1951 to Springfield, Missouri, expanding its manufacturing capacity to meet rising needs.
By 1958, Lily-Tulip extended its reach to the West Coast, establishing a new facility in Riverside, California. This expansion brought with it the iconic oversized cup sculpture, a promotional landmark visible from the freeway and nearby train routes. It wasn't just about brand visibility—it was a symbol of industrial pride and the company’s growing national presence.
Over the decades, the company underwent several transformations, each reflecting broader trends in the packaging and consumer goods industry. The chart below summarizes the key transitions:
| Year | Corporate Change | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1977 | Lily-Tulip → Sweetheart Cup Company | Acquisition marked a major rebranding phase |
| 2004 | Sweetheart → Solo Cup Company | Solo became the new owner, known for its red party cups |
| 2012 | Solo → Dart Container Corporation | Dart, a foam cup giant, acquired Solo and its assets |
Each change signaled a shift—not just in ownership—but in how the monument and the facility behind it fit into America’s evolving industrial and cultural landscape. What began as a proud emblem of Lily-Tulip's craftsmanship now stands as a nostalgic marker of a past era in disposable product manufacturing.
Material: Painted concrete
Height: 68.1 feet (20.8 meters)
Current Appearance: Plain white with gray rim
Original Appearance: Branded with Lily-Tulip and later Sweetheart Cup Company logos
Its size is comparable to a six-story building, dwarfing most roadside attractions in the region. In fact, when placed beside a standard warehouse or even a highway billboard, the sculpture’s exaggerated proportions make it impossible to miss.
| Time Period | Appearance | Branding |
|---|---|---|
| 1958–1977 | Lily-Tulip logo (possibly teal splash) | Colorful branding |
| 1977–2004 | Sweetheart logo with red & blue stripes | Rebranding era |
| 2004–Present | Plain white paint | Branding removed, faded aesthetics |
Although its once-vibrant colors and logos have faded, the cup’s iconic shape still resonates with those familiar with America’s manufacturing past. Visitors today encounter a minimalist concrete form, but its original decorative elements once made it a vivid symbol of disposable cup culture.
Located at 800 Iowa Avenue, Riverside, California, the World’s Largest Paper Cup stands in an industrial zone known as Hunter Park. It’s easily spotted from Interstate 215, especially for travelers heading west, making it a surprising and memorable roadside icon.
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Address | 800 Iowa Ave, Riverside, CA 92507 |
| Visibility | Clearly visible from I-215 freeway |
| Surrounding Property | Former paper cup factory, now a vacant warehouse |
| ️ Parking | Limited street parking available nearby |
Although the adjacent building once buzzed with manufacturing activity, it was later used as a furniture liquidation outlet and now appears largely inactive. Visitors should note that while there is no formal parking lot or signage, you can park briefly along the street or in a nearby lot for photo opportunities.
Tips for Visitors:
Approach via Citrus Avenue for the best viewing angle.
Expect a fenced-off perimeter—photos are best taken from above or across the road.
The area may appear desolate, so brief visits during daylight hours are recommended.
Despite its quiet surroundings, this landmark remains an unexpected gem for curious travelers and fans of quirky Americana.
