Muffler Man Statue from Minder Binders Restaurant
Datec. 1964
MediumFiberglass
Dimensions148 × 59 in. (375.9 × 149.9 cm)
ClassificationsAdvertising Medium
Catalog number2023.16.1
DescriptionFiberglass muffler man advertising statue. It has no arms, and the original head has been replaced by that of a bear or a wolf. The words "Minder Binders" are painted across the chest. This item hung from the ceiling of Minder Binders restaurant in Tempe, which was known for being decorated with many strange objects. It is not known if this item was used previously as an advertising statue for a business prior to Minder Binders opening in the early 1970s, but it seems likely. Many of the things displayed there were bought second hand at auctions. Minder Binders was a well known and loved eating and drinking establishment located on the NE corner of McClintock and University. It closed in 2005.
The body was manufactured by International Fibergass, who created this 14 foot statue starting in 1963. Most of these particular sized statues were bought by Lombard Chainsaws and used as a hard hat wearing character called Luke Lombard who was placed outside of hardware stores that sold the chainsaws. The head is from a fiberglass bear that was also manufactured by International Fiberglass.
Status
Not on view
c. 2000
City of Tempe Community Development Department
9/22/1972