Newton, Illinois: Burl Ives in Granite

Sit with a granite version of folk singer and actor Burl Ives (1909-1995) holding his granite guitar. He was the voice of the singing snowman in "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer."

Address:: E. Jourdan St., Newton, IL
Directions:: Midtown, on the northeast side of the courthouse square. On the north side of Hwy 130/E. Jourdan St. just east of its intersection with N. Van Buren St.

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Burl Ives in Granite.

Burl Ives in Granite

Life size -- position of his feet is interesting. Looks realistic, ready to share his next song with you.

[Barbara Ann Brelje, 05/12/2025]

Burl Ives in Granite.

Burl Ives Statue

According to the plaques flanking the statue, a fair number of state and federal legislators also have ties to this little town.

[Rhonda Tunney, 09/02/2022]

And, according to the plaques, let's not forget Irene Hunt, children's book author, and Lowell Bales, who died in 1931 trying to set a new airplane speed record.

Burl Ives Statue

Corner of Jourdan and Van Buren. He's sitting on a park bench with his guitar. Have a seat next to him for a photo op!

[Holly, 07/09/2017]

Burl, the voice of the singing snowman in "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," grew up nearby and is buried east of town. His granite likeness arrived in Oct. 2014.