Jerry Dutler's Bowl

Mankato, MN"sputnik" sign/rotosphere from 1965...there are only about 16 left...facts thanks to Agilitynut

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Comments

pesotum74 says:

Great sign.
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

Aria Fotografia says:

That is a gorgeous thing!

Can't believe that Minnesota weather is so kind to its landmarks...is it just that y'all can't bear to throw stuff out?
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

anthony_thompson says:

Love it. Love it!!!
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

Anders (back but busy) says:

Excellent catch:)
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

I'm glad to see that they repainted this one. It's still not spinning though, right?

I'm afraid the woman you met at the bowling alley didn't have her facts straight. These signs weren't produced until 1960. This one is from 1965 ( I have a copy of Milks' index card for it and that's the year that this bowling alley opened). There are about 16 Roto-Spheres left now. If you'd like the complete history and lots of photos/videos of these Roto-Spheres, check out this page:
www.agilitynut.com/sca/roto.html
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

Mykl Roventine says:

That's it. I'm going to Mankato. This is awesome!
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

krstl_blu says:

I feel a roadtrip to Mankato coming on.
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

shutter.chick says:

Mykl and krstl blu...definitely worth the trip to Mankato! And just 1 mile North of this on the same road is the last Happy Chef (at a restaraunt)

Agility Nut
Thanks for the facts!!! This one was not spinning at least when I was there...but it does still light up. Regarding your note...those are actually two "spikes" that are painted different colors...in the picture it does look like one but one is right in front of the other at the angle I took this picture...

Yes it is in excellent shape!

Thanks for the comments Ted, Andrea, Anthony and Anders!

Yeah Andrea...I think we may be a bunch of packrats here in MN...good thing for those of us who like kitsch and vintage signs! This one looks like it has been repainted so that's why it is in such good shape despite the 6+ months of crappy MN weather...
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

agilitynut says:

You're welcome! Thanks for the clarification about the two-toned arm. I removed my note.
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

koni-omegaman says:

Wow, I might have to make a pilgrimage to one of these signs. Very cool. What we should do is a group road trip to photograph these at dusk when they light up. Who's renting the bus?
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

artsywannabe says:

Hi aria - the truth is "cheap runs deep" in the heart of the heartland. why replace a perfectly good old sign when you could use the money to upgrade the fryer? would it generate more redneck bowling leagues? would it add high falutin' kurb appeal? we think not.
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

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Taken with a Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT.
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Taken on July 23, 2008
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Jerry Dutler's Bowl

Comments

pesotum74 says:

Aria Fotografia says:

anthony_thompson says:

Anders (back but busy) says:

agilitynut says:

Mykl Roventine says:

krstl_blu says:

shutter.chick says:

agilitynut says:

koni-omegaman says:

artsywannabe says:

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summer Roadtrip 2008 (Set)

Another Roadside Attraction (Pool)

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