Big Things in a Small Town

One man's dream didn't just put Casey, Illinois back on the map. It also landed the small town in the Guinness Book of World Records.

in Arts & Culture, Road Trips, Activities
September 15, 2016

| words

Jim Bolin is a big man who loves his small town.

So when Casey fell on hard times, Jim sprang into action to help divert some of the traffic on the nearby interstate to his beloved town.

But Jim needed an idea. He found inspiration in his family business, Bolin Enterprise Inc. It occurred to him that the pipes he made looked a lot like giant wind chimes. Eureka, Jim had his idea. He and his talented employees would spend the next few years fashioning record breaking giant versions of everything from a golf tee for the local golf course to a giant rocking chair. Curious travelers can also find the world’s largest knitting needles (fully functional, by the way), pitchfork, and wooden shoes.

And, of course, you’ll find those giant wind chimes which top out at 56 feet and were officially recognized in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Also breaking records is the world’s largest mailbox (with a working flag and door as well as stairs that visitors can climb for a great view of the town. This might just come in handy if a visitor wants to mail a postcard from Casey, home of the world’s largest everything.

Discover more Illinois artisans at Illinois Made.