A Tucson Icon Faces an Uncertain future
Table of Contents
- 1. A Tucson Icon Faces an Uncertain future
- 2. What are the potential new locations being considered for the Paul Bunyan statue?
- 3. Keeping Paul Bunyan’s Legacy Alive: An Interview with Madonna Toia
- 4. Tucson’s Beloved Landmark Facing an Uncertain Future
- 5. Madonna Toia on the Paul Bunyan statue’s Journey to Tucson
- 6. Preserving Cherished Memories and Local Charm
- 7. Unveiling Potential New Homes for Paul Bunyan
- 8. A Connection to Stephen King’s “IT”: A Unique Viewpoint
- 9. The Fate of Paul Bunyan: Your Thoughts
The Paul Bunyan statue, a beloved landmark in midtown Tucson, may soon be on the move. Don’s Hot Rod Shop, where the towering figure has stood since 1964, is up for sale, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the statue’s future.
According to the City of Tucson, Leo Toia purchased the statue and transported it from San Francisco on a flatbed truck. This captivating journey imbued the statue with an aura of history and adventure, making it a symbol of Tucson’s unique charm.
For many residents like Pati velasquez, the statue evokes cherished memories. Velasquez, who grew up in Tucson and now works at El Chinito Gordo, a restaurant just blocks away, recalls seeing the statue daily. “It brings me back to my earliest memories with my mom taking my siblings to school and me tagging along with her,” she shares warmly.”When I started going to that school, I was in the front seat with my Mom while she was driving me to high school at Salpointe. So I saw that statue all the time,like on a daily basis.”
Now, faced with the potential sale, Velasquez, like many others, hopes the statue will remain a visible presence in Tucson. “I would hope that they would just place it somewhere else where people can still see it,” she suggests. “Like maybe 5 Points or where Drachman meets Oracle. Something where people will see it a lot.”
Another resident,who wished to remain anonymous,shared a unique perspective,revealing a connection to Stephen King’s iconic novel “IT.” “I was amazed at the Paul Bunyan because it reminded me of Stephen King’s book ‘IT,’ which is in that book and eventually blown up,” she states. “So I think it should stay there as a landmark in Tucson.”
Madonna Toia, the property owner, expressed her desire for the statue to remain in the Tucson area. while she acknowledges the uncertainty of the future, she’s received a mix of offers from those who wish to preserve the statue and those who don’t. The fate of Paul Bunyan hangs in the balance, awaiting a decision that will impact the heart of tucson’s landscape and the memories of its residents.
What are the potential new locations being considered for the Paul Bunyan statue?
Keeping Paul Bunyan’s Legacy Alive: An Interview with Madonna Toia
Tucson’s Beloved Landmark Facing an Uncertain Future
Tucson’s iconic Paul Bunyan statue, a beloved midtown landmark as 1964, may soon be moving from its current home at Don’s Hot Rod Shop. With the property up for sale, the statue’s future hangs in the balance. We caught up with Madonna Toia, the property owner, to discuss the potential sale and the statue’s significance to Tucson residents.
Madonna Toia on the Paul Bunyan statue’s Journey to Tucson
Archyde: Madonna, the Paul Bunyan statue has been a Tucson fixture since your late husband, Leo, transported it from San Francisco in 1964. Can you share any memories or stories about that journey?
Madonna Toia: Oh, it was quite an adventure! Leo loved that statue, and he was resolute to bring it to Tucson. He drove it on a flatbed truck all the way here, and the whole way, people would honk and wave. It was like a mini-parade. Once it was here, Tucson just embraced it.It became one of us, you know?
Preserving Cherished Memories and Local Charm
Archyde: Many Tucson residents, like Pati Velasquez from El Chinito Gordo, have fond memories of the statue. How can we ensure that the statue continues to evoke thes memories and preserve Tucson’s unique charm?
Madonna Toia: I think it’s crucial to keep the statue visible and accessible to the community. I’ve received some offers, but I’m hoping we can find the right solution, weather it’s moving it to another prominent location in midtown or finding a creative way to integrate it into a new advancement. It’s not just a statue; it’s a piece of tucson’s history.
Unveiling Potential New Homes for Paul Bunyan
Archyde: According to some Tucsonans, the perfect spots for the statue could be at 5 Points or where Drachman meets Oracle. Are these options on the table, and what other locations are being considered?
Madonna Toia: Those areas, along with a few others, are indeed being discussed. I’m open to suggestions, and I encourage Tucson residents to share their ideas.We want to find a place that’s not only convenient for people to visit but also respectful of the statue’s historical significance.
A Connection to Stephen King’s “IT”: A Unique Viewpoint
Archyde: An anonymous resident made an interesting connection between the Paul Bunyan statue and Stephen King’s “IT.” How does this unique perspective influence your decision-making process for the statue’s future?
Madonna Toia: (laughs) That’s certainly a creative connection! It shows how much our community cares about and thinks about this statue. while it might not directly influence the decision-making, it’s a reminder of how much Paul Bunyan has become a part of Tucson’s collective consciousness.
The Fate of Paul Bunyan: Your Thoughts
Archyde: Madonna, before we wrap up, we’d like to ask you this thought-provoking question: If you could choose one word to describe the Paul Bunyan statue’s impact on Tucson, what would it be and why?
Madonna Toia: “Hope.” You see, the statue has always been a symbol of hope for Tucson, whether it’s hope for a brighter day, hope for a stronger community, or hope that we can preserve the things that make us unique. I like to think that the future will bring new hopes for both Paul Bunyan and our beloved city.
Archyde: A touching sentiment, indeed. Thank you, Madonna, for sharing your insights and for keeping Tucson’s heart warm with our beloved paul Bunyan statue.
