Perched at the entrance of Lauterbach's Tire and Auto Service, situated on the north side of Wabash Street, this gent is the last of the three Illinois “brothers”.

This mighty giant, proudly waving the Stars and Stripes, serves as a true symbol of American pride and is sure to catch your eye. Donning a vivid red shirt, classic blue pants, and sturdy brown boots, the giant's rugged appearance is reminiscent of the beloved Paul Bunyan, a legendary figure who once graced many parts of this great land.

In 2006, this fine fellow was met with a tragic fate - a devastating twister tore his head from his body. However, fear not! Through some impressive engineering feats, he's been brought back to his former glory, standing tall and proud once more with the help of some rather macabre bolts embedded in his chest.

The Lauterbach Giant is one of the famed Muffler Men of Route 66. Back in the swinging sixties, these roadside giants were created to catch the eye of passing motorists and advertise a variety of businesses - from car dealerships to muffler shops to restaurants. And standing up to 25 feet tall, these behemoths were hard to miss!

Sadly, many of these giants have disappeared over the years. But fear not - a dedicated group of enthusiasts continues to track down and restore these iconic figures, preserving a piece of Americana for future generations.

You can read more about the history of the Muffler Men here.