5 In Liz Travels: Route 66

We Have Seen the Elephant… (edited)

And it is in Lexington, Illinois

Sharp-eyed Dash spotted this glorious piece of community-built folk art as we rolled by it in the rain. So cool we made a U-turn down the road about a half mile, came back, and took pics in the rain. There was no information on why it was there, or how it was built, but if you enlarge the images, you’ll see names and messages written on the individual pieces of recycled metal.

And look at the sheer number of pieces of scrap metal in this creature. Chains, hubcaps, pipes, and other bits of unidentifiable plumbing. I could have spent a half hour looking at this, but it was very wet, and we had an appointment down the road.

Please enjoy.

Liz

Correction: When I first posted this, I assumed, from the comments written on the elephant and the names, that this was a community project. I’ve since had a moment to do some research, and I was wrong. This was made by metal scrap hauler Kasey Wells, from Lexington, to promote his write-in campaign for president. You can see the story here at the Chicago Tribune. Obviously the elephant is outliving his ill-fated campaign. Thanks, Kasey! This elephant is literally a traffic stopper for travelers on Route 66.

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5 Comments

  • Reply
    Carolyn Gutz
    June 9, 2022 at 8:40 am

    Loving your journey. Are there pictures (of the elephant?)?

  • Reply
    linda
    June 10, 2022 at 5:44 am

    hope you are enjoying your trip. i did not see the elephant 🙁

    • Reply
      Sharon Thompson
      June 11, 2022 at 5:18 pm

      See the post above and I think you will. Click the link in the email that takes you to the website. Love, Liz

  • Reply
    Lori Murphy Cole
    June 10, 2022 at 8:23 am

    The guy that built this was so clever. The detail is amazing!

    • Reply
      Sharon Thompson
      June 11, 2022 at 5:15 pm

      It really was an incredible piece of welding and construction. And a delight to see. It reminds me of the horse sculptures by the artist Deborah Butterfield. Love, Liz

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