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https://theconversation.com/from-the-big-bogan-to-larry-the-lobster-why-do-towns-build-big-things-241129>
"Big Things first appeared in Australia in the 1960s, beginning with the Big
Scotsman (1962) in Medindie, South Australia, the Big Banana (1964) in Coffs
Harbour, New South Wales, and the Big Murray Cod (1968) in Tocumwal, NSW.
These structures were inspired by earlier North American examples, such as Lucy
the Elephant (1882) in New Jersey, and several big doughnuts in California.
While they differed in subject matter, all aimed to attract the attention of
passing motorists: in the 1950s–1960s, private car ownership had soared and
highway construction spread.
Towns and regions across Australia, New Zealand and North America used
oversized landmarks to get travellers to stop, take a photo and hopefully spend
money at local businesses.
As awareness of these giant landmarks grew, so did the desire of other
communities to have their own.
Within a few decades, Australia’s Big Things had become a beloved fixture of
road trips and summer holidays."
Share and enjoy,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
