The oft-photographed Paul Bunyon fiberglass statue in downtown Atlanta, Illinois, received a touch-up last Saturday from the Illinois Route 66 Association’s Preservation Committee. According to The New Herald News, about 10 volunteers repainted the 19-foot-tall statue, also called Tall Paul. By 10:30 a.m. the scaffolding was in place and the preservation was underway. Everyone had a … Continue reading Paul Bunyon statue in Atlanta gets a new coat of paint
Tag: Muffler Men
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?
Gemini Giant, Launching Pad restaurant to be auctioned
The future of the Gemini Giant on Route 66 in Wilmington, Illinois, is a lot cloudier after it was announced it and its restaurant will be sold at auction in April. James Bednar of Bednar Auction Service told the Kankakee Daily Journal the unique, 30-foot-tall fiberglass giant and the long-closed Launching Pad restaurant will be sold in one … Continue reading Gemini Giant, Launching Pad restaurant to be auctioned
Test your ability to Hit the Road
The folks in Atlanta, Illinois, unveiled a deceptively simple but unusual new attraction in their Route 66 town -- a Hit the Road game modeled after an old strongman contest commonly seen at county fairs many years ago. The Hit the Road game is next to the Bunyon Statue in downtown Atlanta. More details: The … Continue reading Test your ability to Hit the Road
“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.
“American Giants,” Episode 4
Joel Baker has uploaded the fourth episode of his "American Giants" series, which delves into the history of roadside fiberglass giants (aka Muffler Men). https://youtu.be/LrlDvV7hgDQ Baker explained why this particular episode was shortened: Because I could not reach the owner of the Gemini Giant, I removed the second half of the episode that covered the … Continue reading “American Giants,” Episode 4