99% Invisible Goodness Gracious Great Balls of Twine
Jul 17, 2019
Vivian Le, a producer with a knack for exploring the unconventional, takes us on a whimsical road trip to uncover the world's largest ball of twine. She shares the charming stories of its creator, Francis Johnson, and discusses the friendly rivalry with Cocker City. The podcast also dives into the quirky competition among creators, the challenges of displaying these delightful attractions, and the broader cultural significance of roadside wonders, all wrapped in humor and nostalgia for small-town adventures.
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Darwin's Twine Ball
- Vivian Lee began her twine ball quest in Darwin, Minnesota, inspired by Weird Al Yankovic's song.
- She found a nine-ton twine ball encased in a plexiglass gazebo.
Origin of Darwin's Twine Ball
- Francis Johnson, a Darwin farmer, started the twine ball in 1950 after scolding his nephew for leaving twine around.
- It began as a six-inch ball and grew over 29 years.
Cocker City's Twine Ball
- Frank Stober started Cocker City's twine ball around the same time as Johnson, also a farmer cleaning his barn.
- His initial intention was just to get the twine out of the way.