The Big Duck

The early to mid-twentieth century witnessed a proliferation of kitschy roadside architecture, often larger-than-life representations of mundane items. Few of these attractions still exist, but Long Island is home to a beloved example of roadside architecture built to resemble the product they're selling. Such structures--outsized coffee pots, hot dogs, and the like--are known as Duck architecture after the Big Duck itself.

The Big Duck was built in 1931 by Martin Maurer, a local duck farmer. At the time, duck farming was a big business on Long Island. The Pekin duck, which had a short maturation period and was known for its tender flesh, was particularly valued by Long Island farmers. Duck farming began on Long Island in the late 1800s and by the time the Big Duck was built, the industry was at its peak.

To build the duck, Maurer enlisted the help of a local architect as well as a theater set designer. A wooden framework was constructed, which was then wrapped in wire mesh. When the inner structure was complete, masons were hired to do plasterwork and add the final coating of Atlas cement. When it was finished, Maurer had the idea to use taillights from a Model T for the duck's eyes, which then glowed red at night. The Maurers then sold both ducks and eggs from their distinctive place of business.

A large concrete duck is not everyone's cup of tea. The Big Duck--as well as other novelty structures--have been widely panned by critics. In 1972, however, three architects--Robert Venturi, Denise Scott Brown, and Steven Izenour--came to the duck's defense in their book, Learning From Las Vegas. The trio argued that such structures, which they termed "duck architecture," after the Big Duck, are actually worthy of respect and were an improvement over the boring buildings that lined the country's highways and back roads.

Apparently the authors were not the only people to see significance in the Big Duck. In the 1980s, the duck was nearly demolished but was saved due to the actions of preservationists, and in 1997, the duck was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Van Scoy , Stacy . That's a Big Duck: The Story of Long Island's Duck Farming Industry and the Iconic Structure it Inspired , The Southampton Press. November 15th 2019. Accessed March 28th 2021. https://www.27east.com/arts/thats-a-big-duck-the-story-of-long-islands-duck-farming-industry-and-the-iconic-structure-it-inspired-1561811/.

Big Duck History , Suffolk County Parks . Accessed March 28th 2021. https://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/Parks/Parks-History/The-Big-Duck/Big-Duck-History.

Agnew, Meaghan. A Brief History of Long Island Duck Farming, Before it's Gone, Modern Farmer. December 5th 2014. Accessed March 28th 2021. https://modernfarmer.com/2014/12/long-island-duck-farming-almost/.