Kansas City’s Beloved Bull: A Legendary Landmark
When cruising down 12th Street near the bustling I-35 exit, you might catch sight of something utterly captivating peeking through the trees—a giant Hereford bull! Affectionately known as the “Bull on Building” or simply “Bob”, this colossal statue is not just any ordinary sight. It’s a stunning 5,500-pound replica made from fiberglass and polyester resin, fortified with a steel frame, towering at an impressive 11 feet and 8 inches tall and stretching 19 feet and 7 inches long from nose to tail.
A Brief History of Bob
Once the pride and joy of the American Hereford Association (AHA) building, Bob has been gracing the area since the 1950s. This magnificent piece of art was conceived during a time when Hereford cattle registrations were soaring, particularly from the 1920s through the 1950s. The aim was to create a celebrated testament to both the animal itself and the AHA.
The architect behind the AHA building was the talented Joseph Radotinsky, and his lead architect, Robert Manos, had the brilliant idea of adding this giant bull as a signature feature. The actual statue was crafted by Paul Decker and his team from the firm Rochetti and Parzinin based in New York. The inspiration for Bob came from a real-life Hereford named Hillcrest Larry IV, a hefty 1,900-pound bull from Maryland, who had quite the reputation.
In the summer of 1953, the grand reveal was anticipated, but the bull took a bit longer to finish than planned. It wasn’t until October 1954 that he was complete and ready to bask in his spotlight. Interestingly enough, even before he was finished, President Dwight D. Eisenhower honored Bob with a dedication on October 16, 1953, recognizing the contributions of those who helped establish Herefords as a dominant force in the beef cattle industry.
A Shift in Ownership
Fast forward to 1997, when the AHA relocated, which led to Bob being put in storage—a sad fate for such a beloved figure! But hold on—a ray of hope emerged in 2000 when the Kansas City Parks and Recreation Department began the search for the bull to display him once more. It took until 2002 for a formal agreement to be struck between the city and the AHA, stipulating that the AHA could reclaim the bull within a 20-year timeframe.
Well, folks, that time has come and gone! As of June 2022, thanks to an agreement between the Kansas City Parks and Recreation Department and the American Hereford Association, the bull now proudly belongs to the city and has found his new permanent residence in Mulkey Square Park.
Bob’s New Home
Currently, Bob is stationed in a vibrant setting next to a baseball field and a playground, keeping watch over the families and children enjoying the park. His fierce gaze faces north, surveying the drivers and spectators gliding over the 12th Street Bridge. This iconic statue is not only a nod to Kansas City’s agricultural history but is also a beloved symbol of the community!
So next time you’re driving around Kansas City, take a moment to wave at Bob. After all, he’s not just a statue; he’s a piece of history, a work of art, and a proud reminder of the city’s strong ties to Hereford cattle!
