Illinois man's giant wind chime grew into 21 objects and 12 Guinness records
The small town of Casey, Illinois, transformed its tourism industry by building a collection of oversized everyday objects, starting with a record-breaking wind chime. The project, spearheaded by the late businessman Jim Bolin, helped revitalize the local economy by attracting thousands of visitors.
Why it matters
It serves as a case study for how creative, community-led tourism initiatives can economically rejuvenate struggling small towns.
A small Illinois town found a new way to attract visitors when businessman Jim Bolin built a giant wind chime. Over the years, businessman Bolin turned that idea into a collection of oversized everyday objects that made Casey known for its unusual attractions.Bolin, the creator of 'Big Things in a Small Town', died in January 2026 after sustaining injuries during a snowmobile trip, according to Guinness World Records. His company, Bolin Enterprises, described him as a man with 'unwavering devotion to his family' and 'genuine friendship to all'.Bolin’s project had started years earlier when Casey was struggling to attract visitors. The town, located off Interstate 70 between Effingham and Terre Haute, Indiana, was like many other small communities in the area.
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