Mr. Dixie is the official guardian of Dixie Sheet Metal Works, which has been in business as metal workers and environmental specialists since 1945. The 12-foot-tall sculpture recently marked its 60th anniversary, having stood proudly in front of the shop since 1962.

Originally a mobile mannequin, Mr. Dixie initially appeared on wheels as a non-human participant in the Memorial Day parade. His next 30 years were spent atop Hazelton Laboratories, pointing potential customers in the direction of the shop.

Eventually, the squeaking of his wind turbine ventilator head became too much for the lab animals in the building below to handle, and Dr. Hazleton asked the owner of Dixie Sheet Metal to come down and collect him. The statue has taken up the job of sentinel in front of the shop ever since.

Aside from the wind turbine ventilator used for his noggin, Mr. Dixie also has pieces of sheet metal and parts of AC units that come together to form his body and limbs in a rough approximation of the Tin Man from the Wizard of Oz.

He requires the occasional touch-up, but the shop is committed to keeping him on as a member of the Dixie Sheet Metal Works family.