Atlanta in Logan County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Snerd Giant

Photographed by Jason Voigt, February 23, 2025

1. Snerd Giant Marker

Inscription.
The resemblance to Alfred E. Newman of Mad Magazine fame notwithstanding, International Fiberglass called these figures its Mortimer Snerd line of giants - a reference to famed ventriloquist, Edgar Bergan's, Mortimer Snerd dummy. Others have referred to them as the "Half Wit" giant.

The "Snerd giant here at the American Giants Museum was likely made between 1966-1970, during a period when the company began altering its original Muffler Man design to provide customers a wider variety of options. This Snerd's tour of duty likely included time at a mini-golf course, a hot dog stand, and then inside the Wagon Wheel Bar owned by Max Sorenson in North Madison, Ohio…which explains the "WW" initials on his hat.

This Snerd was the first giant purchased and restored by Joel Baker and his American Giants crew. He stood in Baker's garden for several years, before being shipped to California in 2017 for six years of restoration work. He was transported to the American Giants Museum on June 1, 2023.

Erected by American Giants Museum.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Man-Made Features. A significant historical date for this entry is June 1, 2023.

Location. 40° 15.655′ N, 89° 13.841′ W. Marker is in Atlanta, Illinois,

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in Logan County. It is at the intersection of Southeast Vine Street and Southwest Arch Street (Old U.S. 66), on the right when traveling west on Southeast Vine Street. Marker is outside the American Giants Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 SW Arch St, Atlanta IL 61723, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Illinois

and in Greater Springfield.

It is also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Viking Carpet Giant (here, next to this marker); Phillips 66 Cowboy Giant (here, next to this marker); The Biggest Friend Your Car Will Ever Have! (a few steps from this marker); September 11 Eagle (within shouting distance of this marker); "Reisch Beer" Mural (within shouting distance of this marker); "Wide Awakes" March in Atlanta (within shouting distance of this marker); "Wisteria Café" Mural (within shouting distance of this marker); The Bunyon Giant (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Atlanta.

Also see . . . American Giants Museum (official website). (Submitted on February 17, 2026, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)

Photographed by Jason Voigt, February 23, 2025

2. Snerd Giant Marker

Marker is on the ground in front of the statue

Photographed by Jason Voigt, February 23, 2025

3. Snerd Giant Marker

Marker and giant are outside the American Giants Museum

Photographed by Jason Voigt, February 16, 2026

4. Snerd Giant Marker

updated Feb. 2026 photo (marker and statue moved one square to the left)

Credits. This page was last revised on February 17, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 24, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 162 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 24, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. 4. submitted on February 17, 2026, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.