09/12/2022
Sir Loin’s Return -40 years later.
When we went to purchase “Dennis Avenue Shops” I asked community members what they remembered about this property throughout the years. My favorite stories included the giant steer that stood outside of Waymeirs Grocery in the 70’s. True tales and tall tales had been recounted and I became obsessed with locating and replacing the steer.
As I searched the web- I was so excited to find one on eBay! The nice gentleman that was selling had 5! He had collected them from all across the country and he was located in Wichita. However, I was sad that they were above what I could afford at that time since we were dumping money into fixing the shopping center up. My husband explained to me (more than once) that a roof was more important than the giant steer. I wanted both! 🤣
I checked in from time to time and prayed and saved. I panicked in April (one year after my initial search) when the steers were no longer listed.
I contacted the gentleman and he had 3 left with a buyer that wanted all 3!.
I told him the story and begged him to sell me one. He was still reluctant so I sent my very persuasive brother in law, Rob, to seal the deal. Then, one week later my husband and I traveled down to pick up Sir Loin on his original trailer.
We could travel only 60mph up I-35 but the smiles on the faces of everyone that passed brought us joy.
When I showed the team at Fab Fern my moo summer project - I learned even more about this Steer! Iris, one of my associates showed her husband my crazy purchase - Hal was instantly blown away! Hal’s father built these steers in Oklahoma back in the early 70’s for Sirloin Stockade. Hal fondly recounted crawling around inside Sir Loin when he was a young boy!!! What are the chances??? Hal immediately contacted the seller - explained the history and was able to purchase Sir Loins’ twin “Deja Moo” to take home to Oklahoma to his dad!
These huge fiberglass Steers are over 50 years old and needed some TLC and refurbishment.
I power washed, sanded and painted Sir Loin
My husband repaired some fiberglass and rewired the lighting. We both mounted the new signage. Sir Loin made his debut at the Old Settlers Day Parade.
Sir Loin is my favorite purchase ever! I love to see smiles,pictures and selfies with this giant iconic cutie.
He will be staying on the corner of Shops on 56 (formerly Dennis Ave Shops) advertising events and specials for the shops in the center. We will also be offering a “side of beef” for special 24 hour messages for Birthdays and Graduations. Ie; Holy Cow! Look who’s 40…,(DM me for details and availability)
We encourage posted pics and selfies with Sir Loin. We will be initiating a drawing where we select random winners that post pics and selfies to fb and Instagram and add the following #’s to the post.
I look forward to having a lot of fun with this iconic Steer.
Please share any stories you have of Sir Loin from the past and if you have any punny suggestions for messages on his side- please DM me😉
Special thanks to My husband Bob, Rob Woods,Lyle, Jason Walker for all the help in making my wish come true. Also- thank you to my neighbors for not making a stink about the project as he was fixed up.
Fondly,
Rebecca Shipley
Just a public service announcement-
Please, NO Cow Tipping, Rustling or Branding!
Sir Loin is under surveillance and all shenanigans will be prosecuted.
