The Muffler Men
As the nation’s most famous highway back in the day, countless businesses vied for the attention of travelers.
The best way to advertise?
Giant fiberglass statues lining the road.
“Tall Paul” was the first, and to this day is the most famous of these “Muffler Men”. Originally erected around 1940 near Chicago, the massive Paul Bunyan clutching a giant hot dog was moved further west to Atlanta, Illinois after being threatened with demolition.
Paul Bunyan would remain the go-to sight along busy stretches of Rte. 66, carrying flags, tools, and whatever else businesses were trying to advertise.
Chicken Boy in Highland Park, California remains standing on a rooftop for passerbys – think Paul Bunyan with a chicken’s head.
And of course the Gemini Giant—a towering green astronaut clutching a rocket announcing The Launching Pad restaurant in Wilmington, Illinois—is also a must-see.
While only a handful of these gentle giants remain, thankfully these fiberglass “Muffler Men” have been preserved to be enjoyed by today’s kids as they press their faces against the back window.