Greeley, Colorado - Muffler Man

I visited the Greeley Muffler Man yesterday, took a bunch of pictures and noticed something peculiar about his face. I had read somewhere he had been shot a number of times, so I expected to see holes and/or patches. What I saw were nicks in metal.. METAL?... I thought these things were made of fiberglass! Even as I felt his leg (no jokes, please) I could feel that he was quite solid to the touch and drumming my knuckles on his leg didn't convince me he was made of fiberglass. Although, I did notice that to make him more bottom heavy his lower half is filled with gravel, which is leaking from his left shoe.

So, the next day, I called the business that currently resides in the building behind our stoic friend. I spoke to Bob of "JUST BOB'S" and he told me the Muffler Man has been there "forever." He also confirmed that the MM is made of fiberglass and wasn't sure why he seemed to be impervious to bullets. There is pointed metal rod sticking out of his left front shoulder, it could very well be an arrow. Bob told me he once held a giant wrench in his hands and also a muffler... go figure.

Bob also says that the owner, Don Carlisle, has willed the Muffler Man to a hospital somewhere in Wyoming... and Don is now in his 80s.

So, it would be wise to soon take a trip to Greeley to see the quiet giant before he heads north for kids to enjoy while they stay in a hospital.

[RA: Another theory: the digs are where metal shot embedded but didn't penetrate his face. Can't say that Wyoming will be any less target-oriented, although perhaps standing next to a hospital will help. Gunshot wound ER mascot?]

He's looking kinda tired but still standing. Locals report he had been holding carpet until recently. Now he's in front of an auto repair business and holding their sign. [Roger Sleight, 07/08/2008]

I believe I have seen one north of Denver in Brighton out front of a hotel on Colorado Blvd. I believe it's business hwy 85. I see it on my way to the zoo from the Greeley area. I take hwy 85 south from Greeley to interstate 76 and exit on Colorado Blvd south through Brighton. It's on the east side of the road. [Andy, 10/31/1997]

[RA: June 2009: Photo added.]