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Muffler Man.

Muffler Man Cowboy: Big Bob

Field review by the editors.

Norwich, Connecticut

Type: Cowboy (22 feet tall)

Arm position: Standard

Accessories:Cowboy Hat, American Flag

Nickname: Big Bob

Big Bob, a wayward Connecticut cowboy, has been in Norwich since the mid-1960s. For his first 20 years he was on the other side of town. Back then he belonged to Alex Cohen, who used the Muffler Man to draw visitors to his amusement park. That business eventually closed, and when the owners of Surplus Unlimited -- who were friends with Al -- opened their store in 1982, they bought Big Bob. They had admired him ever since they were kids.

Patriotic Big Bob has held an American flag since his move, and is anchored with cables to the front of the store to prevent people from climbing onto the roof and kicking him over (It's been attempted). At night he is illuminated by a spotlight. Surplus Unlimited keeps Big Bob in good repair, featuring him in its advertising and as artwork on the side of its delivery truck in the parking lot.

Muffler Man Cowboy: Big Bob

Harbor Freight

Address:
385 W Main St., Norwich, CT
Directions:
Next to Eblens Casual Clothing. I-395 to exit 80 E (Route 82). 1 mile on left.
Phone:
860-887-1400
RA Rates:
Worth a Detour
Save to My Sights

Nearby Offbeat Places

Mohegan Sun Walk of FameMohegan Sun Walk of Fame, Uncasville, CT - 2 mi.
Wells Dinosaur HavenWells Dinosaur Haven, Uncasville, CT - 2 mi.
Tantaquidgeon MuseumTantaquidgeon Museum, Uncasville, CT - 3 mi.
In the region:
Grave of the Smiley Face Inventor, Worcester, MA - 51 mi.

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