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Menz statue.

Statue of One-Legged Franklin Menz

Field review by the editors.

Rio Grande, New Jersey

A cigar-chomping statue of restaurant founder Franklin Menz greets visitors to the button-paved parking lot. At first glance, the missing leg might appear to be a result of vandalism or neglect -- but Menz was sans leg in real life.

Cigar chompin' Franklin Menz.

Hanging throughout the family restaurant are unique exhibits that are part of the "Menz Museum." They include a stuffed two-headed calf, an albino deer and other exotic animals. The 2-headed calf, born in 1975, lived for ten weeks (some kind of Guinness record they claim, though we'd have to check against the hundred other stuffed 2-headed creatures in US attractions). You'll also find a composite mutant depiction of the Jersey Devil (never alive).

Before he passed away, Mr. Menz used to ride around in a motorized wheelchair giving out lollipops.

Over time, the Menz statue rocking chair was broken, and the figure endured the expected Jersey shore and winter beatings. In 2017, the sculpture was hauled away for repair and restoration. We're fairly certain that won't involve adding a leg.

Statue of One-Legged Franklin Menz

Menz's Restaurant

Address:
985 Hwy 47 S., Rio Grande, NJ
Directions:
Menz's Restaurant. Garden State Pkwy exit 4A. Hwy 47 west about 1.5 miles. On the south side, where the road curves north, just past Fulling Mill Rd.
Save to My Sights

Nearby Offbeat Places

Face on the RoofFace on the Roof, Rio Grande, NJ - < 1 mi.
Memorial Statue to Dead FishermenMemorial Statue to Dead Fishermen, Cape May, NJ - 5 mi.
Sea Captain with Peg Leg and HookSea Captain with Peg Leg and Hook, Wildwood, NJ - 5 mi.
In the region:
Bakery's Fiberglass Menagerie, Haddon Heights, NJ - 60 mi.

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