In the 1960s, International Fiberglass in Venice, California created thousands of large, fiberglass statues called “Muffler Men.” While some were designed to promote automotive products, others represented icons such as Paul Bunyan, astronauts, and cowboys. Today, these statues are still found all over the country, and they’re unique mascots for businesses and towns.
Helper, Utah has one of these fiberglass statues, and he’s known as “Big John.” Keep reading to learn more about him!
The little town of Helper, Utah has a long railroad and mining history. It got its name from the helper engines that assisted trains in making the steep, 15-mile climb up Price Canyon.
Mason7127/Tripadvisor
The coal mining industry has been a presence in and around the town since the late 1800s.
Western Mining and Railroad Museum/Facebook
When you visit Helper, make sure to stop by the Western Mining & Railroad Museum to learn more about the history of Helper and its surrounding communities.
_douglaswr73/Tripadvisor The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
You’ll also want to swing by the Helper Library, where you’ll find Big John - an 18-foot-tall, fiberglass statue.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/flickr
In 1964, the mayor of Helper, its City Council, and many residents decided that their town needed an attraction that would honor its mining history. International Fiberglass in California had started making large, fiberglass statues in 1963, and the town placed an order for a coal miner statue.
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International Fiberglass had previously created a Paul Bunyan statue, and it used the same mold to make Helper’s coal miner. Instead of an axe, he holds a huge pick, and he wears a mining helmet on his head.
Mason7127/Tripadvisor
The statue needed a name, and the townspeople chose “Big John” based on the Jimmy Dean song “Big Bad John,” which won a Grammy Award in 1962 for Best Country & Western Recording. Big John proudly represents the coal mining community in and around Helper.
Don Barrett/flickr He also stands as a memorial to the many miners who have lost their lives while working in coal mines since the 1890s.
Have you seen Big John in Helper? Share your photos with us in the comments!
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Western Mining and Railroad Museum/Facebook
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The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/flickr
Don Barrett/flickr
He also stands as a memorial to the many miners who have lost their lives while working in coal mines since the 1890s.
There’s another roadside attraction in Vernal that you might want to see in person. Check out Rex, who dresses up in different costumes for every season.
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Address: Helper, UT 84526, USA
