Jenkins Man (Gone)
Vista, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
Vista used to be home to the very friendly Jenkins Muffler Man.
However, thanks to a 8/28/99 eyewitness report, the Jenkins Man has been
removed from the site. Many thanks to Lance Chang for update.
This fellow belonged to the fiberglass giant family that found work outside automotive shops across Southern California. A business could change its lettering or repaint the building, but a large man out front was usually what people remembered.
Unfortunately, his roadside assignment didn't last forever. An August 28, 1999 eyewitness report confirmed that he was no longer at the property. Another familiar figure had disappeared from the daily drive.
UPDATE: The Jenkins Man had been removed by August 1999. His later whereabouts haven't been established, so this view recalls his working days in Vista. 10-26
La Salsa Man (Closed)
Malibu, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
Malibu, California is well known for its great beach. Malibu is perhaps
better known for the La Salsa Man. This former Burger Man now sports a
south of the border cuisine in his tray. Classy sombrero too! The makeover of
the La Salsa man was done by artist Bob Wade in 1988.
Before advertising Mexican food, this fellow was a burger-carrying restaurant figure. Artist Bob “Daddy-O” Wade transformed him in the late 1980s, adding the sombrero and colorful clothing that became his familiar coastal look. Quite a change of uniform without having to leave the rooftop.
His appearance even inspired a replica made by actor and artist Dennis Hopper, giving this roadside salesman a connection to the art world beyond his original advertising job.
UPDATE: La Salsa closed in February 2015, but the giant stayed behind. 10-26
Joor Muffler Man
Escondido, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
With neatly combed hair and a carefully painted mustache, the Joor Muffler Man in Escondido certainly keeps up appearances. Standing at East Valley Parkway and Juniper Street, this handsome fellow has spent decades helping motorists find the automotive shop below.
Purchased at a trade show in the 1960s, the giant became a familiar part of the neighborhood. His size handles the advertising from a distance, while the grooming gives anyone stopping for a photograph something to admire up close. Quite a presentable member of the roadside giant family.
Joor Muffler Man
Escondido, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
The pairing of the big man and the Joor sign makes the corner easy to recognize. Customers may arrive looking for exhaust work, but anyone carrying a camera has another reason to pull over. A giant mechanic tends to make an impression even when the car is running just fine.
Then there’s his holiday wardrobe. At Christmas, the big guy becomes Santa Joor, trading his usual appearance for a red suit, white beard, and Santa hat. Dressing him takes considerably more material than outfitting the average employee, but the result gives passing families another reason to look his way. No chimney assignment for this Santa. He has a corner to watch.
UPDATE: Joor Muffler & Auto Service remains at 302 East Valley Parkway, with its longtime giant marking the location. These views capture both his everyday appearance and his festive Santa assignment. Good to see a familiar roadside face still dressed for the occasion. 10-26
Scott from El Monte
El Monte Sign Co. (Demolished)
El Monte, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
No, this isn't a Halloween joke. Scott from El Monte appears to have misplaced his head. Fortunately, this view catches the giant during repairs at El Monte Sign Company, where a little fiberglass surgery was part of getting him ready for another roadside assignment.
The figure previously stood at a miniature golf course in Duarte before finding a home with the sign business. After a career attracting golfers, he joined a company whose work was all about catching the eyes of passing motorists. A suitable place for an oversized advertising character to settle down.
Scott from El Monte
El Monte Sign Co.
El Monte, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
El Monte Sign Company’s connection to neon signage around the San Gabriel Valley makes the pairing especially appropriate. The signs might require careful lettering, glass bending, and electrical work, while this fellow needed attention on a somewhat larger scale.
Without his head, the familiar body takes on a rather different appearance. His hands remain ready for work, though greeting customers might have presented a problem. These photographs preserve a stage of restoration that most roadside giants would probably prefer to keep out of the family album.
UPDATE: The El Monte Sign Company closed around 2014 and Scott disappeared around then. The building was demolished around 2020 and now is residential. 10-26
Mentone Man
Mentone, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
Not every giant works outside a muffler shop. The Mentone Man found a place in a private residential collection, where an oversized Paul Bunyan makes an unusual addition to the yard.
He has some interesting company, too. A giant rooster and a replica Statue of Liberty head help turn the property into something considerably different from the neighboring homes. A passing glance might catch the lumberjack first, but there’s more to discover around him.
The collection belongs to Peter Van Horn, whose assortment of salvaged objects and sculptures became a roadside attraction of its own near Highway 38. A giant in a business parking lot is one thing. Finding one looking out from a residential yard supplies a little extra surprise.
UPDATE: The Mentone giant continues to be here among the property’s collection of oversized figures. In fact I just saw him recently. A reminder that retirement from commercial advertising can lead to some rather unusual living arrangements. 10-26
Jenkins Man (Gone)
La Salsa Man (Closed)
Joor Muffler Man
Joor Muffler Man
Scott from El Monte
Scott from El Monte
Mentone Man
