Garfield creator Jim Davis was born in Marion, Indiana and grew up in Fairmount. Educated at Ball State University, Davis had a career in advertising before creating Garfield in 1978.
His native Grant County honors Davis and his famous feline with large statues located around the county. These fiberglass statues are about five feet tall and depict Garfield in all kinds of fun outfits.
They’re pretty spread out so seeing them all in a day would be challenging. Still, I saw a few!
This one in Gas City honors the history of the gas and glass blowing industries of the area. It’s outside the Carnegie Library.
This one is located inside the Marion Library. It was one of my favorites.
This gardening Garfield is actually located at Minnetrista in Muncie.
Want to drive the Garfield trail? Click here!
I’ve seen some of these as I’ve driven around but didn’t realize there was an official trail. How cool!
I’ve met Jim Davis a couple times. He lives northwest of Muncie near Albany. He was nice both times, but struck me as very shy. When I was a kid, he owned what was probably Muncie’s nicest restaurant, Foxfires, which is now the site of an IHOP.
You’ll have to check it out sometime!
I like hearing that famous people are nice!