Text by Tammie

  A museum dedicated to large, molded fiberglass sculptures known as “Muffler Men’’ is a tourist attraction in Atlanta, Illinois, that features “Big Friends.” The American Giants Museum, located at the corner of Vine and Arch streets on Historic Route 66 in Atlanta, Illinois, has several “giants,” including a giant sculpture of a Texaco Man.   The Texaco Man was part of a 1960s Texaco advertising campaign letting customers know that he gives “Big Friend Service.”   More about him and other giants are profiled in the newest Mother Road Moves newsletter. https://motherroadmoves.substack.com/p/big-friend-on-route-66

In the past few months, I've been working on a new adventure -- traveling Old Route 66 to unravel the persons, places, things and more that still exist on the historic route for the benefit of Route 66 fans and seekers. U.S. Route 66, known as "The Main Street of America," connected Chicago, Illinois, to Los Angeles, California, from 1926 to 1985, when it was officially decommissioned. It's become a symbol of American freedom and adventure. That adventure turns 100 in 2026. And my weekly newsletter on the platform Substack will help document the persons, places, things and more that make life interesting. The latest newsletter profiles the American Giants Museum in Atlanta, Illinois. You're welcome to check it out: https://motherroadmoves.substack.com/p/big-friend-on-route-66 The general URL is  motherroadmoves.substack.com Here's to more adventures.