Paul Bunyan statue’s fate uncertain

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Bunyan's Fate

The iconic Paul Bunyan statue, a landmark in midtown Tucson since 1964, may soon be looking for a new home. The 20-foot tall fiberglass lumberjack stands on the corner of Glenn and Stone, where Don’s Hot Rod Shop is now up for sale. According to Madonna Toia, the property owner, her father-in-law Leo Toia bought the statue at a trade show and had it delivered to Tucson for advertisement.

“He bought it for advertisement, and they delivered it down here, so it’s been there since 1964,” Toia said. The statue, which cost $1,275 plus shipping back in 1964 (equivalent to $12,980 today), has become an integral part of the community. It has been dressed up for various occasions, such as holding a flag during the Gulf War or wearing a Santa suit made by Toia’s daughter during Christmas.

Pati Velasquez, who works nearby at El Chinito Gordo, has fond memories of the statue from her childhood. “It brings me back to my earliest memories with my mom taking my siblings to school and me tagging along with her,” she said. Velasquez hopes the statue will remain in Tucson, even if it is moved to another location.

Paul Bunyan statue’s uncertain future

Another local resident, who wished to remain anonymous, noted the statue’s resemblance to a similar one featured in Stephen King’s book “IT” and believes it should stay as a Tucson landmark. However, with the property up for sale, the future of the Paul Bunyan statue remains uncertain.

Toia has received offers from people who want to keep the statue local and those who don’t. The community is closely watching to see what will become of this cherished piece of Tucson history. As the Toia family prepares to sell the properties and downsize their business, they hope to find a good home for the statue.

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Deanie Burris, Leo Toia’s granddaughter, said, “It’s going to be a sad day. I mean, we’ve been here 79 years, since 1946.”

While there is no buyer yet, Burris hopes Paul can remain at his current location. If the new property owner decides to move the statue, she would prefer to sell it separately to someone interested in preserving its history.

The fate of the beloved Paul Bunyan statue hangs in the balance as the Toia family and the Tucson community await the sale of the properties and the decision of the new owner.

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