Endangered Mr. Peanut
January 1, 2008
Some local treasures are taken for granted around here. Like say, the unusual sculpture atop the green Mahoning Avenue bridge. He has a top hat and cane and makes you crave Planter's.
Upon first coming to Youngstown in 2001, I was presented with an area completely unknown to me, filled with secrets and strangeness and hidden treasures. And ever since someone first pointed out Mr. Peanut to me my first time on Mahoning Avenue, it still draws my attention every time I cross that bridge. The friendly little guy tips his hat to you as you go about your travels. (Note: when driving, do not divert your attention from the road for too long)
It was just recently that I discovered the origin of our little steel friend, courtesy of the Public Library of Youngstown website:
Mr. Peanut is a local curiosity that refers to a small, metal silhouette sculpture in the shape of "Mr. Peanut" (Planter's Peanuts fame) that is welded atop the Spring Common Bridge in Youngstown. Cut from one-quarter inch steel plate and approximately eighteen inches in height, the Mr. Peanut sculpture is welded on the bridge's Mahoning Avenue side and is viewable by travelers moving toward the downtown area. Its origin is credited to Dick Tranick and Jim Mansky, who were part of a crew of plumbers and steamfitters that were laying pipeline across the Mahoning River in the summer and fall of 1986. The metalwork was meant to be a comical tribute to John Cashbaugh, a member of the crew, who was known for his "nutty" solutions to worksite problems. (Source: Jane Tims, "For the Record, Let Me Clear Up a Couple of Things," Vindicator 9-8-92, B1:2)
It had me very worried when I first saw the orange barrels appear near the bridge. Are they going to rebuild the bridge? Will Mr. Peanut survive the construction? The poor rusty soul looks like he's seen better days. I can't be the only one worried about this??
Thankfully after a brief search I found an article on wfmj.com confirming with the project engineer that Mr. Peanut will remain one with the bridge after construction and will also be getting a fresh coat of paint himself. I envy the person who gets the honor of painting him. Will it be a new complimentary color? Who gets to choose?
Most importantly though, he is here to stay. I tip my hat to you Mr. Peanut, for bringing some light-heartedness to our travels over the Mahoning River.
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ancient peanut people built the mahoning valley and this is the only evidence they left behind.
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This is actually interesting. Please continue to blast forth!
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wow. well-researched, proper citation, and cleverly photoshopped art. is this a new beginning for the blogs? just dont go getting a job at another newspaper thus compromising your allegiance.
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i came for the blogging, i stayed for the research and citations.
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All this time and he never jumped? *shrug :P
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Is Mr. Peanut a registered trademark?
Will they have to paint the registered mark when he gets redone?
Did Planters shut down the bridge due to trademark violations?
So many questions...
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i have never seen this.
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I've always wondered about the origin of the Mahoning Avenue Mr. Peanut. I first noticed him while riding the school bus on the way to the YSU English festival when I was a kid. Now he greets me every day when I go to work. Thanks for the info :O)
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jessica--
Though you were speaking jokingly, you brought up an interesting topic. Artists are allowed to use trademarks to a degree. I think it's called "free use". As long as certain terms are met: such as not making money off of the trademark, not reproducing it en masse or using it to identify yourself.
That would be funny though if Planters found out about it and tried to sue someone.
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I can see the headlines now...
"Planters sues local nut"
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TheArtistifyer - it's called "fair use." i had to explain it to someone who got a bug up their butt when i used pictures of the simpsons in an article about the simpsons.
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