The newer of two tin men stands atop Eastern Oregon Heating and Air Conditioning on Highway 395 north of Hermiston on Thursday, May 27, 2022.

As you drive along Highway 395, you may notice two tin statues atop Eastern Oregon Heating & Air Conditioning. The story behind them dates back 75 years, and it is as interesting as their design.

The story begins with Wayne Hamilton, who was a metalwork enthusiast, who established a metal shop in Hermiston in the 1950s. He made the first giant tin man statue to attract customers. He is quoted in the Hermiston Herald as having said, “I needed some sort of advertisement, and this is what I came up with.”

Upon retiring in 1971, the shop was sold and the tin man went with it.

Somehow, the tin man found its way back to Hamilton, and he gave it to Road Runner Sheet Metal, where Hamilton had been teaching an apprenticeship program.

Co-owner Dale Rickner decided to create a new tin man, because the original was worn down. Once it was completed, this second tin man served the same purpose as the original one had 50 years prior.

The two statues partner with a new ownerRichard Hayden developed a love for the metal trade, working alongside Hamilton. Richard Hayden did apprenticeship programs at Road Runner Sheet Metal, and he, Hamilton and the apprentice crew helped create the second tin man.

Becky Hayden, his daughter, described Richard Hayden’s great passion and dedication, recalling how he “studied different sheet metal books and would practice making fitting and duct work over and over until he got it right,” she said.

In 2010, Richard Hayden and his partner Mike Fine established Eastern Oregon Heating & Air Conditioning LLC. Two years later, they relocated to the old Road Runner building, which had gone out of business in 2011. The tin man was included with the building.

Richard Hayden became sole proprietor in 2013, and Becky Hayden stepped in as CEO in November of 2018. She herself was interested in metal work, claiming that, “Growing up watching (her father’s) dedication and determination inspired my passion for the trade.”

In addition, she wanted to help lighten her father’s workload and enable him to “take time for himself and enjoy life outside of working every day.”

According to Becky Hayden, the tin twins have posed on their roof as long as she can remember and people come by periodically to photograph the metal giants.

One of the best perks about these unique displays of advanced metalwork is that they require no maintenance at all. Although they do not bring in much business in terms of customers and employees, the giants have generated popularity and contain sentimental value.

“My father was part of the crew that built the second one. They show great craftsmanship and skills that can come from learning our trade. It is amazing to see what can be built out of a flat piece of metal,” Becky Hayden said.

When asked if she had ever thought about adding more statues and decorations to keep the tin men company, Becky replied that she would love to but has not started on that plan yet.