Retro Roadmap Reader Jane Holm has just put Minnesota on Retro Roadmap, with this fun “Muffler Man” photo op!
From our Facebook Page, Jane writes:
Big Ole (28′ tall) stands in the park across the street from the Runestone Museum in Alexandria, MN. He was built in 1965 and traveled with the Runestone to the New York World’s Fair.
My favorite source for wacky roadside finds, Roadside America notes that Ole had some dark times in his past:
In 1967 the town dressed him for the holidays in a Santa suit — into which someone shot a flaming arrow that sent Ole up in flames! His sword was snapped off by another vandal, he was knocked cockeyed by a freak windstorm, and once, when he was lying prone for repairs, he was partially crushed under the collapse of a snow-covered roof.
Luckily they report that the city paid for his repairs to all of those unfortunate incidents, and moved him to his current location in 2002.
If you’re in the area, stop by for a Retro Road Trip worthy photo op!
Add a comment