American Giants Museum planned for downtown Atlanta, Illinois

Joel Baker, a Muffler Man aficionado who has created a website and documentary shorts about his obsession, announced this week he is planning an American Giants Museum site along Route 66 in Atlanta, Illinois, The museum will be almost directly across the street from the Bunyan Giant Muffler Man in downtown that once stood along … Continue reading American Giants Museum planned for downtown Atlanta, Illinois

For sale: One slightly used Muffler Man

A Muffler Man that once stood at a firewood business in northern Illinois recently went up for sale for $29,000. The American Giants account on Facebook, which sprang from an interest years ago about the fiberglass giants, posted information on Aug. 6 about the latest one on the market: This newest arrival is the one … Continue reading For sale: One slightly used Muffler Man

Video describes 16 Muffler Men on or near Route 66

A new video was uploaded on Thanksgiving Day that tells about 16 Muffler Men fiberglass giants -- including three new ones -- that stand on or near Route 66. The creator of the video is not just any fan. It's Stone Baker of the "American Giants" video series on his YouTube channel. He's not only … Continue reading Video describes 16 Muffler Men on or near Route 66

More details emerge about Buck Atom Space Cowboy dedication on Saturday

We've known for some weeks about the big party at 10 a.m. Saturday for the 21-foot-tall Buck Atom Space Cowboy fiberglass giant that will be dedicated at Buck Atom's Cosmic Curios on 66 in Tulsa. Mary Beth Babcock, the effervescent owner of the souvenir store in a former gas station at 1347 E. 11th St. … Continue reading More details emerge about Buck Atom Space Cowboy dedication on Saturday

Online bidding for Muffler Man ends tonight

For those folks on Route 66 who wish to acquire a genuine, one-of-a-kind Muffler Man, you have the opportunity for a few hours to bid on one in Maine. Joel Baker, a Muffler Man fan and creator of the "American Giants" video series, is helping sell one in Winslow, Maine. As of this writing, the … Continue reading Online bidding for Muffler Man ends tonight

Anyone need a Muffler Man for their business?

If you own a Route 66 business that needs an eye-catching boost, the folks behind the "American Giants" documentary series are auctioning a 20-foot-tall Muffler Man. The fiberglass giant offered for sale is a Mr. Bendo / Paul Bunyon model. The online auction  ends July 17. "American Giants" host Joel Baker said in an email "we hope … Continue reading Anyone need a Muffler Man for their business?

“American Giants,” Episode 8

Here is the eighth episode of Joel Baker's ongoing "American Giants" series about roadside fiberglass giants, also known as Muffler Men. https://youtu.be/nHZekubninc This episode covers the last of the Muffler Men in Chicago, including one extensively modified into a Frankenstein monster. Baker told me that the next episode will take place in Dodge City, Kan.

“American Giants,” Episode 7

Here is the seventh episode of Joel Baker's "American Giants" series, about the history of Muffler Men fiberglass figures. https://youtu.be/M5fjDMRg8kI This episode, based in the Chicago area, delves into the difficulty of finding the history and spare parts for Muffler Men.

“American Giants,” Episode 6

Joel Baker has posted on YouTube the sixth episode of his “American Giants” series, a personal exploration of roadside fiberglass giants (aka Muffler Men). https://youtu.be/ru7Dm4y_mJ4 The episode concentrates on Muffler Men found in the Chicago suburbs of Crystal Lake and Libertyville. I must say, the series has been far more entertaining, interesting, and professionally produced than … Continue reading “American Giants,” Episode 6

“American Giants,” Episode 5

Joel Baker has posted the fifth episode of his "American Giants" series, an exploration of roadside fiberglass giants (aka Muffler Men). https://youtu.be/jgax82lhl0s This episode focuses on a couple of Muffler Men in Crystal Lake, Ill.