Most of the people reading this post will have heard the quote “walking in the footsteps of giants”. There is just a small problem with that saying. I have never met a giant. For that matter how do you even get classified as a giant? Is there a minimum height that a person needs to be before they can be called a giant? Is the term giant even politically correct? Hey someone has to wonder about these things.
While I have never met a giant in person. The closest I can get is this guy.
His name is Robert Pershing Wadlow and he was the Gentle Giant.
Born on the 22 of February 1918 he was a normal 1 foot, 8-ounce baby, but due to a problem with his pituitary gland, he produced more growth hormones than a normal human. In simplest terms, he kept growing and would not stop.
When he was six months old he was 2 ft and 10 1/2 in tall. The size of an average 2-year-old normal child. When he was 2 years old his height was 4 ft, 6 1/4 in. The size of an average 6-year-old normal child. When he was 6…You get the picture.
He may have been tall but he did all the things that other kids did, Went to school. Joined the Boy Scouts. Graduated from high school. Enrolled in college, dropped out of college, and finally went to work representing the Brown Shoe Company. That was the company that made those 37AA He hung out with friends, dated girls, and lived life as best as he could. Robert knew he was different but treated everyone he met with the utmost kindness. This is why he was called the gentle giant.
Unfortunately, Robert’s life was short-lived. Due to a foot infection, he died in his sleep at the age of 22. His final height was 8 ft. 11 in. If don’t believe me and you really feel the need to compare yourself to him. Go to the town of Alton, Illinois, just north of St Louis, Missouri, and just off of College street you will find a life-size statue of Robert.
You can see how I measure up to him. (I feel just as tall emotionally.)
If you feel overwhelmed by the size of the man you can always sit for a bit. Just next to the Robert statue is a replica of the chair he used when he was a member of the Masons. A small word of advice, the chair has no shade and is made of bronze. Metal and sunlight make for one hot seat. Either wear long pants or bring a towel.
We may not be as tall as Robert or have a giant footstep for us to follow. That does not mean we can strive to be just as kind to others as he was. Before you act think to yourself “How would the “Gentle Giant” act?
So when you’re done being amazed at the statue and chair go across the street to the Alton Museum of History and Art. There you can find more information about Alton’s Gentle Giant.
Just remember to fill up the car’s tank with gas and your body’s tank with snacks before you set out on the next Day Trip 100.
The Robert Wadlow statue can be found at the following address or you can search the map below.
2810 College Ave, Alton, IL 62002