Peoria, Illinois residents were horrified on Friday afternoon, July 29, when a car driven by an 89-year old woman who disobeyed a "traffic control device" was struck by another car and careened into the legs of the bikini-clad Uniroyal Gal on Washington Ave. The statue was clipped at the ankles, breaking off one set of toes and damaging her bright red high-heeled shoes. The elderly driver was unhurt, according to a story in the Peoria Journal Star.

The Uniroyal Gal is a rare type of commercial fiberglass statue, originally manufactured by International Fiberglass, Venice, California, in the 1960s. Her resemblance to Jackie Kennedy is a result of an infatuation the sculptor had at the time. The statue was associated with Uniroyal businesses in the early days, although now they can be found repurposed at other auto businesses, video rental stores, even a private men's club in North Carolina. The statues were sold with detachable skirts.

The owners at Plaza Tire, where the temptress has beckoned customers with balding treads since the business opened in 1968, quickly assessed the damage and propped her up against a pole. They hope to repair the giantess quickly, courtesy of a $25,000 insurance policy wisely taken out for just such a fluke event. [Thanks for Laird Carter and Ron Renken for the heads-up].

[October 11, 2005: The Uniroyal Gal statue has been repaired and is back on the corner, wooing passersby. She new sports a leg cast -- which will be removed eventually. She's also reported to have a tattoo on her lower back...]

[07/31/2005]