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Black Earth, Wisconsin: Tin Man Mailbox and Other Creatures (Gone)

Wally Keller was gradually populating his yard with his rusty metal creature art when he died in a 2009 tractor accident. The property is still owned by the Keller family, and the sculptures remained (until a 2018 auction).

Directions:
Midway between Black Earth and Mt. Horeb (roughly five miles from each) on the west side of Hwy 78. Private property; visible from the road.
Hours:
May 2018: Estate sale - sculptures gone.
Status:
Gone

Visitor Tips and News About Tin Man Mailbox and Other Creatures

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Tin Man Mailbox and Other Creatures

There was an estate sale there yesterday. They were selling all the sculptures. They probably won't be there for long.

[Elizabeth, 05/31/2018]
Scrap Iron Menagerie

The unique sculptures of Mr. Keller are still there. However, Mr. Keller was recently killed in a tragic accident. I just wanted to bring this up so people can be respectful of the family.

[Jon, 09/19/2009]

Wally Keller, 79, died Aug. 4, 2009 when the tractor he was using to cut grass flipped along a creek and pinned him underneath, then burst into flames.

Scrap Iron Menagerie.

Scrap Iron Menagerie

About three miles north of Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin on Highway 78 you'll find a most unique collection of metal monsters and machines. It's quite a sight to round the bend and encounter a rolling, beautifully landscaped yard hosting a nine-eyed Crown Bug, The Parts Man, The Temple Lion, and various Dragons and Dinosaurs.

Wally Keller has been forging his creations on his farm since 1995. He and his wife Shirley have lived in this beautiful valley since they built the house back in the '70s. After retiring, Wally started fashioning interesting pieces from old farm machinery just for fun, but has since sold over 1000 of his creations. We happened upon the quirky collection completely by accident as we were on our way to Mt. Horeb for a couple days of mustard and trolls. Maybe there's something about this part of Wisconsin that brings out the peculiar in people.

Metal monster sculpture.

The major pieces can be seen in their yard from the road, but we just had to stop for a closer look. Wally and Shirley were more than hospitable and gladly showed us all of the pieces while filling us in on many of the details of their creations. There are dozens of smaller critters all over the property. Many of them with interesting movement employing kinetic energy. Folks in these parts have come to know the Kellers well and will special order works and even leave their scrap metal pieces by the workshop as donations. If somehow you miss the field full of creatures, just look for the Tin Man mailbox.

[GypsyNester.com, 06/27/2009]

Yard sculptures.

Tin Man Mailbox and Other Creatures

The Tin Man Mailbox is as described, but the front yard of this residence has other metal art on display. The whole yard is a great display.

[Lynn Van Hoose, 05/31/2007]

Wally Keller was gradually populating his yard with his art when he died in a tractor accident in August 2009. The house is still owned by the Keller family, and the sculptures remain.

Tin Man mail box.

Tin Man Mailbox

On old RT 51 near Mosinee, Wi -- a [Wizard of Oz] Tin Man mailbox.

[Brent Lacy, 05/15/2007]

The utility belt oil can is a smart accessory.


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