Take a look at the new American Giants Museum in Atlanta, Illinois

ATLANTA, Ill. (WMBD) — Just off I-55, on what’s called Old Route 66, a little museum has opened up in Atlanta, Illinois.

If you are a Peorian, you know the 17-foot woman known as “Vanna Whitewall’. Officially, she was known as “Miss Uniroyal, or “The Uniroyal Gal”. In Atlanta, Illinois, there is now a home for these larger than life statues at the American Giants Museum.

One of these giants used to hold a hot dog outside a Cicero restaurant. Another is a Texaco “Big Friend” – part of an ad campaign that lasted only two years. Another is the “Esso Tiger” and one referred to as “Snerd”.

Bill Thomas is part of the American Giants Museum and believes the giant statues are perfect for bringing tourists in.

“And the longer they stay in town, the more inclined they are to visit our shops and restaurants and service stations and spend money here,” said Thomas.

“It will make Atlanta the single largest concentration of American giants on Route 66, anywhere from Chicago to LA”.

The giants are already bringing in travelers. Two couples from France rode their Harley’s in to catch a glimpse of the statues.

More statues are expected to come in. Just in time for the 100th anniversary of the “Mother Road”.

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