The Fez-Wearing Giant (Muff...

This giant figure, wearing a fez and a white shirt with a bowtie, is a "Muffler Man." These fiberglass statues, typically 14 to 25 feet tall, were popular roadside attractions across North America starting in the 1960s. They were originally manufactured by International Fiberglass in California and were often used to advertise businesses, particularly tire shops and automotive services, by holding a tire or muffler.

The specific figure you see, with its distinctive fez, is a variation often referred to as a "Paul Bunyan" or "Paul Bunyan with Fez." While many Muffler Men were generic giants, some were customized to represent specific characters or themes. The fez indicates a connection to the Shriners International, a fraternal organization known for its distinctive red fez hats. This particular statue is likely a repurposed Muffler Man, given a Shriners' uniform to promote or identify a Shriner temple or affiliated building. The logo on the fez—which appears to be "100" or a similar numerical designation—could relate to a specific Shriner chapter or a centenary celebration.

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