Whispering Giant of Winslow, Arizona
Carved out of ponderosa pine, the 40′ tall Whispering Giant stands in Winslow, Arizona.
When I visited him in October 2023, I was the only person around the park. Just a few blocks away, a line formed in front of the “Standing on a Corner” tourist attraction and the intersection was clogged with people. It isn’t of course my place to make judgement on the importance of things in people’s lives, it is merely an observation.
The statue was set on a pedestal on November 10th, 1979 in the Hospitality Golf Park [city farm] on top of a 20-foot hill. It remained there for over 20 years before it was moved to the new First Street Park in 2005. A massive crane and other heavy machinery were required to transport the statue to its new home.
winslowaz.gov
At 40+ years old, the giant is looking pretty good. I do wonder if the carvings placed in dry or desert climates tend to fair better over all.
There is something compelling that I find about the carving of all of the Giant’s teeth and mouths in general. What does it mean? No idea. Looking back through the Whispering Giant photos that I’ve snapped over them over the years, this figure is the only one I’ve seen with facial hair.
Carved by Peter Toth in honor of the original Citizens of Arizona.
Oct 2024? Time traveling?
Maaaaaaybe
Thanks for the catch!