RSSHome > Sound and sight > Archives > 2007 > October > 17 > Entry
Name that Ranger (statue)
I’m a big proponent of outdoor art, but I’m ambivalent about the latest proposed addition to the civic skyline, a 70-foot concrete Texas Ranger statue at the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame & Museum, a project that the Waco City Council gave an early OK to yesterday.
Is it art or is it signage? I think it leans toward the latter in that it’s basically representational: It looks exactly like a Texas Ranger of the 19th century, no thoughtful pose or symbolic action other than watchful standing, much like the memorial statues of Civil War soldiers found in many a small town both South and North. The smaller bronze Ranger statue on the museum’s grounds (top left art on this City of Waco Web site), at least, shoulders surveying equipment as well as weaponry, a reminder that the Rangers were there from the beginning of the settling of the Texas frontier. The main flight of imagination in this concrete proposal seems to be in scale - this is Texas, remember - and it’s interesting that representational art seems much more likely to find financial backers.
It could be worse, of course. Big Tex Ranger could have a blinking, red neon arrow pointing at the museum to encourage visitors or pointing his Winchester rifle at motorists to do the same, an option that apparently had crossed someone’s mind as museum director Byron Johnson expressly addressed the subject of the rifle’s aim in remarks to the council.
My first reaction to the image of the artist’s conception that ran in this morning’s paper was, Who will keep the grackles off its shoulders and the crickets off its feet? That’s a battle that many a Waco facility has yet to win. Maybe that’s the true reason for its size: Do grackles not roost that far off the ground?
Anyway, the chatter in the newsroom this morning was that something - someone? - this big deserves a name. The State Fair of Texas, after all, has Big Tex. What should Waco call its ginormous Ranger? Waco’s Walker? Capt. Bubba? Feel free to share.
Permalink | Comments (87) | Categories: Visual arts
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By PBJ
October 17, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
The Grown (or maybe Groan) Ranger?
By Randy Page
October 18, 2007 7:26 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I lived in Huntsville while the Big Sam statue was erected. It has various names depending on who you ask. “Sam on a stick” was the first nickname I heard, but the one that seems to get the most use with the locals is “SAM KONG.” Is it just me, or does the Texas Ranger statue look like Jed Clampett to anyone else?
By Rich
October 18, 2007 7:56 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Nickname: LAW DOG
By Huber Wilkinson
October 18, 2007 8:31 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I like the idea of a Texas Ranger statue at the location mentioned, but I think the height should be such that it does not diminish the scale of the current and proposed expansion of the museum itself. I realize that the art in yesterday’s Trib was probably not exactly to scale, but my first impression was that the size of the statue was demeaning to the museum itself. As far as a name, how about Walker, Waco’s Texas Ranger.
By Sierra
October 18, 2007 8:34 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I am not suprised by the size of this Statue, afterall it really is only a representation of the Texas Ranger Macho attitude isn’t it? If not, why does Waco ‘need’ a 70’ Statue anyway? To me the Ranger hall of fame is very interesting and educational, as well as pleasantly landscaped and inviting. Now, You ad this monstrosity of money well wasted to the scene and you turn it into a ‘circus’ side show. With all the people who really need help in this community, I think the money and time could be better used. As for ‘His” name? Ranger Brazos, Ranger Danger? What does it matter, he is really only Ranger wasting money.
By baylormoon
October 18, 2007 8:37 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I think Jed Clampett, Texas Ranger is appropriate for the likeness they have proposed
By Stephen
October 18, 2007 8:59 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Obviously one of the two most famous rangers should be used for the name - Lawrence Sullivan “Sul” Ross or Frank Hammer, eg Tall Sul or the Big Hammer (pronounced Hamer).
Stephen
By Ric
October 18, 2007 9:03 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Slim would be a good name. And honestly I think that the hieght should be determined by it’s surroundings. Just as the Sam Houston monument, the trees and the area that would be around it was taken in account. And as we know big Tex over looks the Great State Fair of the Great State of Texas so him being Great big fits the occasion. Just keep in mind It’s a good idea, let’s not make it an eye sore. Ric
By Blair Gewertz
October 18, 2007 9:27 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
T_Rex Texas Ranger the Protector The preserver
By Kelly P.
October 18, 2007 9:39 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I believe his name should be “Waco’s True Grit” I think it is a great idea to have a symbol that big and tall to represent the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum, Waco and the history behind it.
By Pete Commander
October 18, 2007 9:47 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Most folks of my generation remember the character Neville Brand played in the old TV series. My submission is a no-brainer: REESE!
By Pat J.
October 18, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I think his name should be “Big Clif” in honor of his donor.
By Don Skiles
October 18, 2007 9:58 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Every thing is big in Texas! I like the statue. Suggested names; Long Tall Texan, Big Iron, Lank, Shorty, Ty, Stick. Could put Big or Tall or Long in front of any of them.
By Jodi
October 18, 2007 10:01 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I like one poster’s suggestion of Tall Sul. But what about plain old ‘The Texas Ranger.’ It’s generic and descriptive and the size alone says it all. As far as size goes, I say, “Why not?” Everything’s bigger in Texas. Why shouldn’t our representation of a Texas Ranger be big, too? Would it be overdone? Of course, but isn’t that the point? I think the representation of the potential statue in the Trib looks like Teddy Roosevelt, my favorite president. So, why don’t we inscribe the statue with Teddy’s famous quote, “Walk softly and carry a big stick.” Fitting, is it not?
By Magnus ver Magnussun
October 18, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Howzabout “Hoss”?
By Jennifer
October 18, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I think the statue is a great idea. I am also familiar with “Big Sam” in Huntsville, but his name is because of who he is. And, he represents himself and not a group of people. I think it would be difficult to give him the name of one single Texas Ranger from the past as there are so many that were great. Lawrence Sulliva, Frank Hammer, Charles Goodnight, John Coffee “Jack” Hayes…there are so many to name. A more generic name would be best. A similarity most Rangers had in common was their title…like capt. He could be called The Captain. Big Capt or something similar.
By Homer
October 18, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
A design change is needed before I would be willing to contribute to this project. The statue of the Ranger should be surrounded by hundreds of pink plastic flamingos. They could symbolically scare the grackles and the crickets away, plus they would greatly enhance the quality of the art. The most appropriate name for the statue would be, “Gigantic Hid Eye” (short for huge hideous eyesore).
By Blair
October 18, 2007 11:48 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
here are some - TURNER TEXAS RANGER(as in head turner, or stomach turner, LOL); Red Ryder Texas Ranger (you’ll shoot your eye out!); BIG RED - Texas Ranger; COLT (and he could revolve); WARNER Texas Ranger (as in warning…you’ve passed the exit to Waco); GUNNER; REMINGTON; HOLDEN PEACE -
By DOC
October 18, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I like “Big John Law”
By Jerrilinn
October 18, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I like Big Rex.
By Verne Pitts
October 18, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Cross the Brazos at Waco Ranger
By Roslyn Jefferson
October 18, 2007 1:53 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
How about the Lone Ranger ?
By Eye Roll
October 18, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Name him what he is:
Maj. M. Barrass Ment
By Frena Rhodes
October 18, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I suggest naming him “Honorable Tex”
By C.E.Johnson
October 18, 2007 2:40 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
To me an appropriate mame would be The Ranger on the Brazos.
By Barbara Chaney
October 18, 2007 2:51 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Rather than giving him a “name”, I feel like because he is a symbol he should simply be called “The Ranger”, in honor of all those who he represents.
By Karen Derrick-Davis
October 18, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I think this is a project that is a waste of money. Waco has much more pressing needs than a statue of a gun-toting white man “welcoming” people to Waco.
By TJ
October 18, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
The Colossus of the Brazos Not like the patina-coated lady of NY fame,/ With flowing robe of rusted steel on Ellis Island;/ Here, at our sandy, boggy Central Texas gates shall stand/ A mighty Ranger with a gun, whose rifle/ speaks of justice, truth; and but a trifle/ will this concrete cowboy of the clouds command./ From his lanky arms will hang a weapon that may stifle./ “Keep your city ways, you sorry sacks,” cries he/ with cement lips. “Give me your gun lovers, your wing nuts,/ your befuddled Baptists yearning to break free,/ the travelers burdened with cash and numb of butt./ Send these, the tourists, road-weary to me,/ I lift my gun beside the Pizza Hut!”
By Ken
October 18, 2007 3:49 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
The way he’s aiming that rifle, I’m thinking “STALKER, TEXAS RANGER”
By WacoProud
October 18, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
The statue will become synonamous with Waco as people will look for it as they approach from the North or South. Call it ‘Mr Waco’.
By MVB
October 18, 2007 5:10 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
how about captain sephen f. austin, theman who started the rangers
By Don H. Summers
October 18, 2007 6:16 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
To those who are serious about this, I nominate Captain Jack Hayes, founder and famous Ranger. Another is Ranger Big Foot Wallace. Also as another letter mentioned, just “Texas Ranger”.
By Jim Wright
October 18, 2007 7:46 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I think Brazos River Ranger, They Serve and Protect the citizens of Texas and America and the World everyday. Alway remember the Texas Rangers are the Eyes of Texas.
By Dusty
October 18, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Walker Texas Ranger!!!
By Charlie Morgan
October 19, 2007 7:10 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
How about “Ranger Rick” for the new Texas Ranger Statue. Thanks.
By Larry Rochelle
October 19, 2007 8:02 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Stick him on top of the ALICO building.
By Mickey
October 19, 2007 8:04 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Jolly Alabaster Laughing Stock Giant
By Walter
October 19, 2007 9:39 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I really think this is a bad idea for Waco. The real idea is to pay respect to the honorable history of the Texas Rangers, not capitalize on them like a cheap tourist sideshow. An appropriately sized likeness of some historical figure would draw attention without inviting a chuckle factor.
By Georgia
October 19, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I think a good name for the statue will be RANGER WACO
By Hal
October 19, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
The Joke on the Brazos
By Debbie Eckstrom
October 19, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I would like to submit the nickman “Cinch”. Thought it was different.
By Todd
October 19, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Bunky
By larry jander
October 19, 2007 6:46 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I think you could call him BIG GUS after the Gus on Lonesome Dove. I really think it will be an assett to the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum. I have seen Big Tex and also Big Sam and I think they are really great.
By J.B.
October 19, 2007 7:07 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I think that the statue will work to make Waco more memorable. Is it a little over the top? Maybe so, but I think that it will draw national attention to the Texas Ranger Mueseum and Waco. In this matter I think any publicity is good publicity. I think that “The Colnel” would be a fitting name.
By Joyce Polston Payne
October 19, 2007 9:06 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
The artist, David Addickes, does his work in larger than life size—-The Cellist, in Houston, is definitely not proportionate. Waco has a Ranger from it’s own history: Captain Burton, who settled a riot in the early 1920’s, and proved the adage: One riot, one Ranger. I’m not suggesting Captain Burton as the name, just plain Texas Ranger. For those who may not know Texas history, the Rangers kept the law, when there barely was anyone else to do it. They have a proud history, and whether Waco has this large sculpture or not, the Rangers deserve more respect than some of the posters have given.
By Embarrassed!!!
October 20, 2007 7:13 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
How about…”Waco’s Dumbest Idea Yet!?” The bozos on city council should be arrested for this one.
By Yipes!
October 20, 2007 8:53 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
The 70 foot statue could only be described by one word…GARISH!
By Bob
October 20, 2007 9:02 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Follow the ultra-generic lead of Waco’s infinitely creative neighbors to the north who in 1994 dubbed the new home of baseball’s Texas Rangers “The Ballpark in Arlington”.
The Statue in Waco
By Jimmy
October 20, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I have no real comment except I like the idea. I would however like to submit a name I feel is perfect. It is “STRANGER”, “One riot, one Ranger”. Thank you.
By Scott T.
October 20, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
The Stone Ranger!
By Ron
October 20, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Brazos Bill
By Virgil Lewallen
October 20, 2007 2:56 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
As an older Wacoan, I think the name of the ranger ought to reflect an old cowboy ranger name. How ‘bout Big Jake?
By Jan B.
October 20, 2007 3:03 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Since the ranger statue will stand and watch from the river, I like ‘Brazos River Ben’.
By Eye Roll
October 20, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
To Joyce Polston Payne:
I agree that the Texas Rangers have a proud history, and I don’t think any posters have intended any disrespect towards the Rangers. I believe the disrespect is aimed at the idea of a statue. In my opinion, a 70-foot tall concrete statue towering over a highway and the museum is NOT showing the proper respect to the Rangers. They might as well make him with neon lights and moving arms waving, saying “No man in the wrong can stand up against a fellow that’s in the right and keeps on a-comin.”
Honestly, if it were my dime, I’d spend it on the museum collection and facilities. Or, I’d want something more along the lines of a Vietnam Memorial with the names of former Rangers engraved in it.
No disrespect intended to the Texas Rangers, just to the plan to put a statue there.
By Sue Turner
October 20, 2007 10:13 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Big Jim
By Sue Turner
October 20, 2007 10:38 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I think it would be nice to name him Big Jim
By Amy Ahrens
October 22, 2007 7:52 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
As far as a name, how about Walker, Waco’s Texas Ranger. I liked this comment from someone, but it there a state ranger that we would like to honor. I live close to Houston and everytime we drive through Huntsville and pass by the Sam Houston Statue…it’s a great time for us to discuss Texas History with our children.
By Brent Burns
October 22, 2007 7:58 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Eventhough someone already suggested Tall Sull, may I suggest that it be amended to Big Sull or Big Sully? In the end, I am sure it will come out differently. Simply, Lawrence Sullivan Ross had done a lot for Texas Rangers (he was a Texas Ranger), attended Baylor, was the President of Texas A&M, served in the Texas Legislature, and most of all, he did a lot for Texas and also for Waco. Though Sam Houston and Stephen F. Austin stood larger than Ross, Ross is still a perfect fit for the Texas Rangers and for Waco.
By Brenda
October 22, 2007 9:13 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
My great-great grandfather Bailey was chief of police in West. He was a very tall man, they all called him “High Pockets”. That would be a good name for the ranger statue.
By Nancy Woodard
October 22, 2007 9:15 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
“Big John” My dad grew up on Tom Hickman’s ranch after my grandad passed away. (Tom is a TX Rancher in the Hall of Fame) Often Tom would deputize my dad to protrol with them over the border at Red River. My dad’s first name was John and he was a little man physically but a giant of a man in stature. The statue actually looks like my dad, mustache and all :) I have always been so proud that my dad got to do that as a young man.
By tom
October 22, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Name him Brazos Bill.
By c. Mills
October 22, 2007 9:39 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
DownTown WACO INC
By Ambulance Chaser
October 22, 2007 9:46 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
How about “The Rubber-necker Wrecker”?
By danny
October 22, 2007 9:51 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Frontier Texas Ranger
By MLiz Bass
October 22, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Years and years ago—I was in 7th or 8th grade at Lake Air—when Waco established a little icon named Waco Will—how about naming the statue Waco Will? Does anyone else remember this?
M Bass
By SA
October 22, 2007 2:28 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Waco Willy… Isn’t that the Male Prostitute that dresses like a woman, stands on 35 and points at people as they pass? OR… Waving Willy who walks around downtown waving constantly.
By blair
October 22, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Courtesy of Eric S. - “Weird Walter of Waco”, or “Weird Walker of Waco”…anyhow, this was a phone in order and he didn’t have internet or alltell - so I couldn’t hear him now…
By johnathan turner
October 22, 2007 6:40 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
The name of the statue should be.The Lone Ranger
By Charlie Wiethorn, Crawford, TX
October 22, 2007 8:51 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
B I G J O H N L A W
By Ray Pugh
October 23, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Larry Jander made mention to it on 10/19/07 and I agree that it should be named after on of the main charters from “Lonesome Dove”. Lets call it “CAPT CALL” after Woodrow Call if it is not a copywight infringement.
By Joel
October 23, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
In the search for names that adequetely describe the 70 foot statue, here are a few suggestions; Captain Wastemoney Major Birdrest
While I strongly support the positive visibility , growth and promotion of Waco, I have to question the decision to build this statue for the stated cost in the designated location
By Jennifer
October 23, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
The characters on Lonesome Dove were tailored after real men including Col Charles Goodnight and Oliver Loving. Goodnight was a Texas Ranger as well. Let’s not forget the real people from history.
I like what those have previously posted. it would be more fitting to keep a general name like The Ranger or The Captain (as this is the “title” of many Texas rangers.)
Also, I have lived in Huntsville and am familiar with Big Sam. He is a great discussion starter while traveling and helps us remember our history. So many people would stop to get there photo with Big Sam and boosted the Museum in Huntsville. This is what the Hall of Fame needs. It will bring more people and resources.
By Lewis
October 23, 2007 11:55 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
The status is a marvelous idea. As far as names go, how about “The Heart Of Texas?” It’s in keeping with Waco’s identity, but also pays tribute to the world renowned Texas Rangers. I also like the name, “The Guardian Of Texas.”
By sergioair
October 23, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
NO NAME!! PUT A SLOGAN.. DONT MESS WITH WACO!!
By Doug
October 23, 2007 10:33 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
“One Ranger, One Monstrosity”. Why does it have to be taller than the Sam Houston statue? What’s the point? At least the Houston statue is a couple of miles down the interstate from Huntsville in a nice wooded setting. It won’t be so with this thing. Why not just a lifesize bronze of a dignified lawman rather than a 70 foot tall Jed Clampett?
By Cheryl
October 24, 2007 6:59 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I am proud to be a Texan and I think the statue’s name should represent the integrity of the Texas Rangers. Since they enforce the law I think the name should be Justice. If it needs a last name why not honor a distinguished american, Texan and Wacoan. Abner McCall who was, among many other things, an associate justice for Texas and was Dean of Law at Baylor school. The history on Mr. McCall is amazing. So, my suggestion for our tall Texan is: Justice McCall.
By Fred
October 25, 2007 8:24 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Name him “Silly Willie”. It might get some “laughs” for drivers going from Austin to Dallas. “Silly Willie” fits this backward, silly town of Whacko, Texas. Waco needs a giant statue of a Big Hamburger. After all, Waco is a great “hamburger stop” between Dallas and Austin.
By Dona B
October 25, 2007 10:12 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I feel that the statue should be named for the first Ranger killed in the line of duty. I have been to the museum many times, and each time I learned new and interesting about the Texas Rangers. Wac should be proud to have the statue in their city. Finally something great to talk about!!!
By Patsy
October 25, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I think we should name him Justice for which he stands for.
By Philip
October 25, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Big Cement Dude
By wacoan
October 25, 2007 7:01 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
If the Ranger museum wants to get more visitors, a statue is not the way to go! Look at the museums that draw more crowds like Mayborn and The Dr. Pepper Museum. They are family friendly and have things that keep visitors coming back. I think the Ranger musuem could be really good. The musuem just isn’t that family friendly. I think the money would be wasted on a statue and the museum should just be reorganized and geared toward families. A nice gift shop with ranger babdges, texas jellies, marshmallow shooters, brands roaps etc. Also a little BBQ would be a big draw. They could get a few pits outside and set up some picnic tables and think of all the people who would get a whiff of good smelling BBQ and it would put them in the mood. You could have a good Ole “Ranger Burger” with a side of “Big Jim” fries. I think also little activities for the kids like a little coloring book with a scavenger hunt of questions to answer. A good old game of horsehoes and ranger demonstrations outside would be fun too. I would love to see a ranger in full gear with his horse-that isn’t something you see every day. The rangers are such a wonderful asset to Waco and the museum needs to show that.
By scott
October 26, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Nightman!
By "Kemo Sabe"
October 26, 2007 5:55 PM | Link to this | Tonto’s name for the Lone Ranger was “Kemo Sabe”
&&null=" class="abuse">Report comment abuseTonto’s name for the Lone Ranger was “Kemo Sabe”
By JC
October 28, 2007 10:13 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
My Vote for the Ranger statute would be: BIG TEX RANGER!
By Jackie
October 29, 2007 8:37 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman … says it all.
By bill
October 30, 2007 9:26 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
“CACTUS JACK” TO EULOGIZE THE TOUGHNESS OF THE RANGERS. IF YOU WERE PEACEFUL, THEN YOU DID NOT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT THEM. THEY SETTLED ALL DISPUTES….THE RIGHT WAY…..
By Trip
October 30, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
** SIR…
(NAME OF RANGER)