You’ve probably seen one while visiting the Inlet in Ocean City, Maryland. One resides in front of Town Hall in Bethany Beach, Delaware too. And if you’ve ever been to Virginia Beach, Virginia’s famed Mount Trashmore, you’ve likely noticed one there too. They can even be found within non-coastal locations throughout the Mid-Atlantic, like the one in Wheeling, West Virginia, or the two in Pennsylvania (Williamsport and Sharon). I am referring to those large, ornately carved wooden totem pole sculptures done up in the likeness of Native Americans. All are original, unique, and versatile key players in the Trail of the Whispering Giants, established by Hungarian-born artist Peter Wolf Toth.
Sadly, the extent of attention these sculptures garner from visiting tourists is often minimal at best—perhaps serving as a photo op when not being overlooked, unnoticed, and altogether underappreciated. In any case, it cannot be denied that these massive sculptures are somewhat subtle and unassuming, lacking any fanfare or elaborate callouts. They neither seek nor depend on the attention of the public at large. But that doesn’t mean the backstory behind their establishment should remain in total obscurity. So, in this Flashback Friday Feature, I’m sharing the lesser-known story behind the Trail of the Whispering Giants.
The Brainchild of Peter Wolf Toth
The Trail of the Whispering Giants is an ongoing passion project by artist and sculptor Peter Wolf Toth. Born in Hungary in 1947, Toth eventually immigrated to the United States and settled in Akron, Ohio. He later studied art at Ohio University. Sometime during the early 1970s, Toth started taking a personal interest in the culture and contributions of the Indigenous People of North America. He looked for a way to honor and pay homage to them through his artistic abilities in sculpting. From there he set a goal for himself, to complete at least one ornately carved totem pole representing Native American Nations in every U.S. state.
Methodology
Upon closer inspection of Toth’s Whispering Giants, you’ll find that no two are the same. Each has a distinct look and individual identity.
Before beginning any sculpture, Toth conducts extensive research on the Native American population of the region he will be contributing to. He even consults local tribe leaders and lawmakers to create displays with integrity and authenticity. The resulting totem pole carvings take shape as the ultimate amalgamation representing the Native People in that particular area.
It may surprise you to learn that Toth utilizes fairly simplistic tools in the process of transforming his conceptual masterpieces into real-life displays. He mainly relies on chisels and hammers, although sometimes he will incorporate an occasional mallet and/or axe. On even rarer occasions, he may even resort to power tools.
The finished product is that of an intricately carved Native American sculpture measuring anywhere from 20 to 40 feet in height and between eight to 10 feet in diameter (sometimes smaller).
Mission Accomplished
As previously stated, Toth intended to have at least one Whispering Giant in each of the 50 U.S. states. And in 1988, he accomplished his lofty goal. Additionally, he’s contributed Whispering Giants to Ontario and Manitoba, Canada. Also, in 2008, he completed his first European installment in his native country of Hungary, in Délegyháza, along the Danube River.
To date, Toth has sculpted 74 totem poles in his Trail of the Whispering Giants series. Some have been damaged or ruined throughout the years, leading to his need for constructing replacements.
If you want to trail the Trail of the Whispering Giants throughout the Mid-Atlantic states for yourself then here’s a roundup of which ones you will meet along the way.
I already mentioned the one in Bethany Beach, Delaware. Known as “Chief Little Owl,” the original structure was built in 1976 and stood 27 feet high. It was destroyed by high winds in 1992 and replaced by a newer version in 2002. The new Chief Little Owl stands 25 feet tall.
Ocean City’s “Oak” is the Maryland representative sculpture. It stands 20 feet tall and was built in 1976.
Pennsylvania has two such totem poles. The first one in Sharon, named “Elm,” was built in 1973. The second one was constructed in 1989. Both stand at 20 feet tall.
Virginia Beach’s “Cypress” measures 24 feet in height. It was constructed in 1976.
West Virginia’s “Elm” is just 14 feet tall. It was built in 1973.
An Ongoing Endeavor
Toth’s work is never done where the Whispering Giants are concerned. It truly is a remarkable undertaking and accomplishment on his part and one worth taking a closer look into and showing far more appreciation for.