The Ozark Halfwit Is Back! Iconic Hillbilly Statue Returns To The Bagnell Dam Strip

LAKE OF THE OZARKS, Mo. — After 14 years away from the Bagnell Dam Strip, The Ozark Halfwit has returned to its home of nearly five decades. The long-time favorite was installed on Wednesday, May 1 and will be the centerpiece of the new "Hillbilly Plaza."

The beloved statue, modeled after the iconic Mad Magazine character Alfred E. Neuman, spent seven years in storage before being sent to American Giants for restoration in 2020. 

“Your community is one of the most passionate communities about these giants. It’s really impressive,” said Joel Baker, founder and owner of American Giants, the company that restored The Ozark Halfwit, in a 2020 interview with Lake Expo. 

Chief Bagnell, who stands across the street from Dogpatch in front of the now demolished Two-Bit Town, was restored in 2016 by the same company. The two figures for decades stood across Bagnell Dam Boulevard from one another, with hand raised in friendly greeting. They stand as smile-inducing symbols of two cultures firmly anchored in the history of the region: the Osage Indian and the rural Hillbilly.

"A showdown between these two characters has been going on since the 60s," joked Joe Page, of SummerUSA and owner of the Halfwit. He noted that since Chief Bagnell was restored, his orientation no longer quite directly faces the Halfwit. "I don't know what they'll do with the Indian, but I hope they face each other again," he mused.

The 25-ft giant was expected to return to the Strip by the 2021 season. Page said he's excited to have the statue back in its rightful place. 

Page said a ceremony will take place soon to commemorate the Halfwit's return. He'll stand at the plaza, which Page said is open for public use and events on the Strip.

HISTORY OF THE OZARK HALFWIT

Around 1965, Walt Teitmeyer, the founder of Dogpatch in Lake Ozark, purchased the statue from International Fiberglass. The Halfwit was customized to hold a giant golf club to promote Teitmeyer’s miniature golf course and faithfully stood in front of Dogpatch for 48 years.

But in 2013, the Halfwit became unstable and was taken down over safety concerns.

“We’re going 50 plus years since they were made,” said Baker. “Fiberglass gets brittle, they get bumped, weather is a huge problem for these guys. The sun, the winter, it’s really harsh. It takes its toll.”

Now, The Ozark Halfwit looks exactly like everyone's childhood memory of him. With fears of nostalgic icons leaving the Strip, this giant one is back for more memories.