#46 Macon, IL – Soda Jerk

Posted on 06/23/2013 by jbaker98

This sighting happened on my first official Muffler Man trip back in 2012. It was the trip where we shot our first episodes about Muffler Men and he was our first stop of the day. He stands in the middle of a field along highway 51 and the business he apparently was ordered for stood empty and unfinished behind him at the time. He had been standing here holding his ice cream for a few years at this point and it wasn’t till later that the place was opened and completed. We correctly assumed he was defiantly one of Mark Cline’s creations made from the mold he had cast from a 15 ft muffler man years before. At the time, I had never talked to or met Mark who was actively making soda jerks and cowboys, all variations of the original 14 ft lumberjack from International Fiberglass. This one has one hand down at his side while others were in standard muffler man configuration with both hands out.

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Big John

Posted on 06/07/2013 by jbaker98

If you’re interested in muffler men it’s very likely you have run across these guys known as “Big Johns”. They are the step brothers if you will of muffler men and although they are not related by “blood” they seem to be part of the extended family. Standing over 5 feet taller then muffler men they are some of the largest giants mass produced back in the golden age of the 1960’s roadside giant architecture era. Their roots are far from the streets of Venice California and they were made in Cape Girardeau, MO at the General Sign Co. Back in 1960 two men Bob Martin and Frank Bayley formed a partnership and started opening grocery stores in rural southern Illinois towns. After about 7 years they started placing giant statues at their store locations. General Sign Co. started turning out the Big Johns around 1967 and I am guessing 10-15 were ordered altogether. These guys are taller and much heavier then muffler men and each of them held 4 giant grocery backs in their arms.

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Elkins, WV Missing Lumberjack Mystery

Posted on 04/08/2013 by jbaker98

So here is an interesting side story. While browsing Debra Jane Seltzer’s website I came across this picture she took back in 2001 in the little town of Elkins, WV. She mentioned when the picture was taken and that it looked like it was sawn off at the ankles and also that she had no idea where the rest of him ended up. Missing feet or in this case missing bodies always have a good story behind them so I found a local that was able to do some digging for me. So for those of you who are interested in this long lost muffler man here are some details for you. The story starts in 1998 when a few guys partnered and opened the “Lumberjack’s Restaurant” on the upper floor of the Elks Lodge at the Elkins Country Club south of the cities airport. The main partner in the business had arrangements made for a lumberjack statue to be made in Roanoke, VA. After it was completed the lumberjack was brought to Elkins and set up in front of the lodge. His feet were set in concrete on top of a slab to keep him secure. By the latter part of 1999 the restaurant went out of business and shortly after the statue disappeared. It is not certain if someone stole him or perhaps the owner cut him off at the feet and hauled him away. I am also not sure if his feet are still on the property or not, it has been over 10 years so I am guessing they have been removed by now. It would be interesting to learn where he went and what he looked like. I have speculated that since he was made in 1998 that he is one of Mark Cline‘s creations since Mark’s studio is only about 40 miles from Roanoke. Anyone with more information please enlighten us! Check out the update to this story!

#38 Hatch, NM Soda Jerk

Posted on 04/05/2013 by jbaker98

In Hatch, NM there is a Mark Cline Soda Jerk that has had a rather interesting life looking for just the right spot but never has seemed to figure out where he belongs. I first saw him when he was out back at the RV business. When that closed he was set up at a short lived chicken restaurant and today is on his back behind a fence.

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