The History of Muffler Men
Image from the RoadsideAmerica.com story
In the early 1960s, the International Fiberglass Company in Venice, California, crafted the first of what would become iconic roadside attractions: a giant Paul Bunyan statue for a restaurant along Route 66 in Arizona. The towering figure proved to be an effective magnet for customers, sparking a nationwide demand for similar giants. These statues, which came to be known as Muffler Men, were created using the original fiberglass mold of Paul Bunyan, modified to suit the needs of various businesses.
Rise and Fall of the Giants
By the late 1960s, thousands of these giants, costing between $1,000 and $2,800 each, were scattered across America. They became popular advertising tools for various businesses, including gas stations, tire shops, and restaurants. International Fiberglass produced a range of characters, from cowboys for Phillips 66 stations to Indian chiefs for Mohawk gas stations, and even a female giant for Uniroyal Tires.
However, the 1973 oil crisis, combined with the rise of the U.S. interstate system, led to the decline of these roadside giants. Many businesses that displayed these figures shut down, and the statues were either sold, repurposed, or abandoned. By 1976, International Fiberglass closed its doors, and the original molds were destroyed.
The Revival of Muffler Men
Interest in these roadside giants was rekindled in the late 1990s when a website dedicated to American roadside attractions began documenting the remaining Muffler Men. Named for their frequent placement in front of car repair shops holding mufflers, the term "Muffler Man" became synonymous with any giant roadside statue. By 2005, the search and restoration of Muffler Men gained momentum, although many statues had suffered significant damage over the years.
Muffler Men in Connecticut
Paul Bunyan in Cheshire
In Cheshire, Connecticut, a 26-foot-tall Paul Bunyan stands proudly at the House of Doors, a lumber business. This Muffler Man, installed in the early 1980s, initially faced resistance from the town due to its height, which exceeded the seven-foot limit for signs. The Sirois brothers, who own the business, cleverly replaced Bunyan’s axe with an American flag, turning the statue into a flagpole and bypassing the height restriction. Over time, the figure has become an official landmark and a cherished part of the community.
Big Bob in Norwalk
In Norwalk, Connecticut, a 22-foot-tall cowboy known as Big Bob stands between an athletic clothing store and a general store in a strip mall. This Muffler Man, holding a rolled-up American flag, greets visitors to the shopping area. Despite some paint erosion on his arms and shirt, Big Bob remains in good shape, though his rusty-colored eyes give him a slightly eerie appearance.
Discovering Muffler Men Across the U.S.
Muffler Men are a nostalgic symbol of America's roadside history. While only about 180 of these statues are known to exist today, they continue to captivate and inspire those who seek them out. For those interested in exploring more of these unique figures, a comprehensive map of Muffler Men locations across the United States can be found here.
Exploring these giants offers a glimpse into a bygone era of American road trips and the creative marketing strategies that once dotted the highways. Whether you're visiting the Paul Bunyan in Cheshire or Big Bob in Norwalk, these statues are a testament to the enduring charm of roadside Americana.
