We built Rooster to show off Wilson and greater North Carolina through shirts, hats, and other goods that showcase our unique culture. The name centers around one of the biggest moments of Wilson's history that happened in the summer of '62: a giant fiberglass rooster found its way to the top of a water tower.
Designed by the faculty of Atlantic Christian College (now Barton) and built by the city's Public Works Department, the rooster was about 10 feet tall and was lighted each night to show off "Wide Awake Wilson." The rooster was beloved by the city, and according to a 1991 article in the Wilson Daily Times, originally included a compressed air line to make actual crowing sounds.
Sadly, about 25 years later, during some repair work for the water tower, the rooster was taken down due to concerns of it falling apart.
But that's not the end!
In the late 90's, county manager, Ellis Williford, championed the fight to bring back the rooster. After lots of support (and some backlash), an online poll to vote for or against the rooster's comeback, and loads of public discourse, a new replacement rooster was erected.
His name? Foghorn Buckhorn, or "Buck," for short.
This new rooster would grace our city's skyline for about a decade until everntually coming down for good. And while all good things come to an end, you can still see Buck at the Wilson County Fairgrounds' entrance where he lives to this day. (Or just enjoy this fun picture of a sweet, old lady riding Buck in her front yard after he came down.)
