BENA, Minn. -- A 65-foot-long muskie that has long drawn stares along Highway 2 in Bena is now off the state's list of 10 Most Endangered Historic Places.
Created in the 1950's, The Big Fish was originally known as the Big Muskie Drive-In. It rose to national fame twice after making a cameo in Chevy Chase's movie, "National Lampoon's Vacation", and then a feature in CBS correspondent Charles Kuralt's "On the Road" series.
In May, the eccentric fish landmark made headlines again, but for a different reason. The Preservation Alliance of Minnesota noted its rotting and crumbling exterior in naming the muskie one of Minnesota's top 10 Endangered Historic Places. A lack of funding made it impossible for the fish's owner to tackle the task, and being from a town of just over 100 people, there weren't many options for help.
That's where Gary Kirt came in. The Bell Mortgage owner lived his early years in Bena and remembers well the landmark's popularity. After reading articles about the deteriorating fish in two Twin Cities' papers, he stepped forward.
After receiving the necessary funds from Bell Mortgage to make repairs, the big one didn't get away! In fact, it has been completely restored and the results are amazing. The fish's owner worked alongside local artisans hired to duplicate the original creation. The crew used updated materials, including a new type of rolled roofing, to extend the muskie's life.
The Big Fish also got a lift from Facebook fans, where it garnered the attention of hundreds of faithful followers.
(Copyright 2009 by KARE. All Rights Reserved.)
