Hat Creek, California: Big Roy, Muffler Man

Just a little note to let you know that the Dunsmuir, CA muffler man is gone. The business is closed and there is no muffler man to be found.

Muffler man was down when I was in Dunsmuir last -- that was in January. The wind may have gotten him. I don't know.

The Dunsmuir Muffler Man is still up and in service. He works at Daily Drivers' Auto Care, 4801 Dunsmuir Avenue, near the northern end of the town of Dunsmuir (visible from I-5). I had the broken hood latch on my car repaired at this fine establishment earlier this week, and so had plenty of time to check out their "Big Guy". He is indeed a standard type, I believe an 18-footer (will try to confirm on my next visit to Dunsmuir), his hair is dark brown, and he is wearing a white shirt, dark blue pants and black shoes. A patch on his right breast pocket reads (white letters on kelly green) "Daily Drivers' Auto Care", and one on his left breast pocket "Daily Dan". According to Brandon, a mechanic at Daily Drivers', "We still have his hat out in back".

This colossus appears at first glance to be a "muffler man" type, but upon closer inspection, I noticed something truly horrifying! The actual identity of the man can be none other than that of Ed Stair, ex-lumberjack and proprietor of Dunsmuir's own Cornerstone Bakery. This can be proved without a doubt while in the town of Dunsmuir a simple trip to said bakery, where you can compare the shocking likeness. Ask to meet Ed. He can talk. A lot. So it's ok if you're left speechless.

I was in Dunsmuir again, and the Muffler Man lives! I submitted a photo of him a couple of years ago, and at that time he was in a state of disrepair. I am happy to report that he has been repaired and repainted (he's now a handsome brunette by the way) and is standing in front of a garage just off the freeway. At this point he is called the Big Man, but they are having a contest to re-name him.