Rodman Shutt
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| Rodman Shutt | |
|---|---|
| File:Rodmanshutt2.jpgRodmanshutt2.jpg | |
| Born | Rodman Warren Shutt September 1, 1923 Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania |
| 💀Died | May 21, 1990 (aged 66) Walton, West VirginiaMay 21, 1990 (aged 66) |
| 💼 Occupation | |
| Known for | Artist, Entrepreneur, Illustrator, Advertising |
| Style | contemporary art |
| 👩 Spouse(s) | Ruth Miller, Renee Bergeron |
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Rodman W. Shutt (also known as Rodman Warren Shutt or Rod Shutt) was an American sculptor, advertising executive, and artist best known for creating large-scale fiberglass roadside statues and attractions in the mid-20th century, particularly in Pennsylvania and other Northeastern states. Active primarily from the 1950s through the 1970s, Shutt operated the Shutt Advertising and Display Co. in Strasburg, Pennsylvania, where he produced oversized figures for businesses, tourist sites, and promotional displays.[1]
Early life and education
Rodman Warren Shutt was the son of W. Warren Shutt and Irene (or D. S.) Hess. As a young man, he attended Valley Forge Military Academy in Wayne, Pennsylvania, where he served as a cadet, cartoonist for the school publication The Legionnaire, and enlisted in the Senior R.O.T.C. He was described in school publications as a dedicated and talented student.[2]
Career
S-Sgt Rodman Shutt was a veteran of the Army Air Force and was honorably discharged in 1945 from the 2nd and 20th Air Forces in the Pacific after eight months of service.[3] Afterwards, he then began his professional life in advertising and newspapers, working for Lancaster Newspapers before moving into sculpture and display work. He established the Shutt Advertising and Display Co. in Strasburg, Pennsylvania, specializing in large three-dimensional advertising figures, often made of wood frames, cotton batting, and fiberglass coatings.[4]
Notable works
- Amos the Amishman (1960): A large statue originally created for Zinn's Diner in Denver, Pennsylvania (later moved). It became an iconic roadside figure associated with Pennsylvania Dutch tourism.[5]
- Green Dragon (1962): A large dragon figure for the Green Dragon Farmers Market and Auction in Ephrata, Pennsylvania, which was refurbished in later years and was the inspiration for a 1994 children's picture book written by Marie O. Hammond and illustrated by Cheryl A. Benner. [6][7]
- Big Indian (also known as the Native American "Muffler Man" statue, c. 1960s–1970s): A 25-foot-tall fiberglass statue of a Native American figure installed outside the Native and Himalayan Views (formerly The Big Indian Shop) gift shop in Charlemont, Massachusetts. It stood for nearly 50 years before being relocated in 2023 amid discussions about stereotypes.[8]
- Giant Santa Claus figures, including a 40-foot-tall version for a New Jersey city and an 8-foot figure involved in a college prank incident.[9][10]
- Other statues such as a Weightlifter, a fisherman Captain Brown, a farmer with pigs, a pretzel, Charlie Weaver (TV character), and models for an "Indian Fantasy Camp" tourist attraction in Lancaster County (planned in the 1970s with wigwams and Indian camp displays).[11][12]
See also
- Paul N. Domke made similar larger-than-life giants in Ossineke, Michigan.
- Richard Kishel of Muncie, Indiana was another contemporary giant maker.
- Robert W Johnson Minnesota sculptor.
- William "Bill" Swan giant sculptor from California.
- Muffler man
References
- ↑ The Morning Press, Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, September 5, 1968 pave 17.
- ↑ The Morning Press, Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, March 18, 1943 page 6
- ↑ The Morning Press, Bloomsburg, Pennsulvania, December 3, 1945 page 6.
- ↑ Lancaster New Era July 31, 1964 page 17.
- ↑ Lancaster New Era February 2, 1960 page 26
- ↑ The Ephrata Review, Euphrata, Pennsylvania, May 1, 1996 page 19
- ↑ The Ephrata Review, Euphrata, Pennsylvania, April 13, 1978 page 29
- ↑ The Republican, Springfield, Massachusettes, August 13, 2023 page A2.
- ↑ LNP Lancaster Online, December 1, 1968 page 52.
- ↑ LNP Lancaster Online, May 12, 1968 page 54.
- ↑ LNP Lancaster online, January 26, 2023 page A4
- ↑ Lancaster New Era, June 14, 1961 page 36.
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