Calostimucu the 10th Whispering Giant

carved by Sculptor Peter "Wolf" Toth
Punta Gorda, FL

Preservation, Restoration and Celebration!

Donated funds will be used for the preservation, restoration and celebration of this irreplaceable artwork.

Donate to Calostimucu, and ensure this powerful symbol of history and culture endures for generations.

We are partnered with Team Punta Gorda, a 501(c)3 non-profit, to facilitate the collection of donations. Donations collected will be specifically for the statue's preservation, restoration and celebration.

Donate

Calostimucu was carved from an Elephant Ear Tree in 1974 by the Hungarian-born sculptor Peter “Wolf” Toth as a tribute the Native Americans who lived in Florida. Philanthropist Fred Babcock donated the tree and sponsored the sculptor. The tree was originally planted as a sapling around the turn of the century by horticulturist Marian McAdow, one of Punta Gorda’s founding citizens.

The name Calostimucu is derived from Calos, the king or paramount chief of the Calusa Native American people who lived in Southwest Florida, and Timucua, the Native American people who lived in North Central Florida. Calostimucu is the 10th Whispering Giant created by Toth. From 1972 to 2009, Toth has carved over 74 of these “Whispering Giants” throughout America, Canada and Hungary.

Calostimucu has weathered over 50 years of our hot Florida sun and spray from Charlotte Harbor. Calostimucu has withstood the brunt force of several major hurricanes that annihilated other nearby structures and landmarks. But our statue needs your help!

Calostimucu statue needs your help!

Please make your tax deductible donation towards the Preservation, Restoration and Celebration of this local, state and national landmark treasure through Team Punta Gorda, a 501(c)(3) organization (please specify donation for Calostimucu or Statue), or by simply using the link below:

In 1974 Hungarian born sculptor Peter "Wolf" Toth carved this magnificent statue as tribute to the indigenous people who lived in Florida. For over 50 years Calostimucu has stood up to hurricanes, scorching sun, salt and spray. But our statued friend needs a little TLC. Please help us raise funds for the PRESERVATION, RESTORATION and CELEBRATION of this magnificent work of art so this powerful symbol of history and culture may endure for generations.

Donate

Located at 319 W Retta Esplanade #301, Punta Gorda, FL 33950

Biography

Since 1974, Calostimucu—the towering 20-foot Whispering Giant carved by Hungarian-American sculptor Peter “Wolf” Toth—has stood as a solemn tribute to the Native American heritage of Punta Gorda and the surrounding region. Created from a massive Elephant Ear Tree, this double-sided sculpture is part of Toth’s monumental “Trail of the Whispering Giants,” a nationwide series honoring Indigenous peoples in all 50 states. Unique among its siblings, Calostimucu features both a Native American woman crowned with an eagle and a male figure topped with a buffalo—symbolizing strength, wisdom, and the fading cultures of early America. Once proudly displayed in front of the historic Holiday Inn, the statue survived relocation and Hurricanes Charley, Irma, Ian and Milton. It now graces the grounds of the A.C. Freeman House Museum.

Help Preserve History

Time and Florida’s coastal climate have worn away at this irreplaceable work of public art. Cracks threaten its structure, and the spirit of the monument hangs in delicate balance. Your donation will ensure that this powerful symbol of history and culture endures for generations to come.