In Search of a City: And Naked Cowboy
I recently saw a clip on television of Naked Cowboy performing on Times Square. Naked Cowboy plays a guitar dressed only in skimpy underwear, a cowboy hat, and cowboy boots. He used to be a regular at Broad and High. The clip made me nostalgic for all the great characters that populated downtown in past years.
My favorite was Rooster Man, who dressed in a railroad conductor’s uniform and pushed a baby buggy through downtown as he gave rooster calls. He could be heard for several blocks. Rooster Man rode COTA and served as a self-appointed conductor. After helping people board the bus, he would shout, “All Aboard!” Between stops, he would perform a hilarious monologue for passengers. He even appeared on a late night talk show.
Bird Man was another great character. He would stand at the base of office towers and give amazing bird calls. When I asked him one day why he gave bird calls, he explained that he fell from the top of an office building. Hundreds of birds came to his rescue and grabbed his clothing with their talons before lowering him safely to the ground.
Does anyone know what became of Rooster Man and Bird Man?
October 7th, 2008 at 8:30 am
So, I beleive I know who Rooster Man is. In fact – get this – I met him, or remet him, about 15 years ago at the Sunoco station on S. High St. I recognized him from about 5 years before that when I was living in Chicago. He was “the driver” then, walking down the middle of North Ave. in Lincoln Park (and many other downtown streets) steering an imaginary car and directing traffic – very expertly, I should add. When asked at the gas station about his former role, he told me he doesn’t drive anymore, he flies (and now rides, I see). Good to know there are some people you can count on to make this an interesting world. Love that gentleman.
October 7th, 2008 at 8:44 am
I have had the pleasure of working downtown for 32 years and know well the Rooster Man and the Bird Man.
Also, Preacher John who preached from his sidewalk pulpit in front of Lazarus and Flipper and the Pencil Lady. Various busters such as the Naked Cowboy have graced our city and I miss them. Who can forget Morganna walking around the State House?
Alas, I know Rooster Man was a victum of a hit-and-run driver. As for the Bird Man, it has been at least ten years since I have heard his calls. John and the Pencil Lady have also disappeared. I have seen Flipper on recent if infrequent occasions. These colorful charactors added something to our City, I’m not sure what that is, but I think they added to the fabric of the city.
October 21st, 2008 at 9:25 am
I haven’t seen the Tuba Man on a Bicycle for a while downtown, either. I hope he wasn’t cut by the CSO.