Ohio’s Whimsical Temple of Tolerance | Local Legends | Atlas Obscura

Meet Jim Bowsher, who has been building the Temple of Tolerance in the backyard of his home in Wapakoneta, Ohio, for decades. What is the Temple of Tolerance? It’s a rock garden and collection of outsider art started in 1981 when Bowsher decided to build a place that encouraged people of all walks and life to come together and feel accepted. From a sculpture known as the “Bully Eater” to a tube filled with shell casings representing every man or woman who died in a war from 1812 on, the Temple of Tolerance is filled with poignant stories that touch all who come across it. Watch this episode of Local Legends to learn more.
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CREDITS
Directed and Edited by
Blair Waters
Executive Producers
Chris Naka
Doug Baldinger
Director of Photography
Logan Floyd
Assistant Editor
Rachel Howard
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[@rhijulbec1]

Who IS this person? His insight is phenomenal! He's a bloody treasure! Damn. This quote seems appropriate ~ “And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music.” ― Friedrich Nietzsche

[@kmart1396]

This is the type of human I aspire to be both creatively as an artist and just the person who's kindness and positive energy are radiating constantly

[@lizd.2343]

This guy is making all ohionians look better. Beautiful amd awesome garden! I hope this ohionian gets to visit you one day.

[@atlasobscura]

You should definitely visit! Let us know if you do :)

[@45HatesOurVets]

I love this brother....his spirit is free

[@carlaweimert8005]

Went to the Temple just yesterday! If you ever get the chance to visit, please do its amazing. Been going for several years and it gets better every time. My grandchildren love it there! Such a calm and relaxing place. All your cares seem to melt away. Thank you Sir for creating such an amazing place❤

[@jwbarnhartmusic]

This touches my soul. Thank you, Jim.

[@OffbeatDiscoveries]

This place is an absolute TREASURE! We loved the video and loved Jim Bowsher and all that he is doing for a positive outlook on our planet! Thank you for making this video....so uplifting!

[@bethroesch2156]

Thank you Sir, for showing Ohioans in a great way. You are the kind of person I'd love to know because what you're doing is invaluable and you're an example of helping each other. No kid is a lost cause and sometimes you have to think outside the box to find a solution. Good man ♥️♥️

[@ampz1466]

Omg that nun story was so adorable! It just made me smile. This guy is great.

[@TwinCitiesFancy]

Jim you are an incredible human. Thank you.

[@stevenarmer8245]

I was born & raised here. I've been to the Temple many many times. I live about a 5 minute walk from there. It's a beautiful place during the summer to sit & relax & just ponder life. So peaceful & relaxing there. Thank you Kim for all you've done for our town & lives

[@riskrunner42]

This man is doing great things... I love the bully eater! Truly an artistic genius. God bless 🙏🏻

[@CarlitosGringo]

Met Joe circa 2003 on my first tour with Last Tuesday with an amazing stop in Wapakoneta, Ohio. Joe I've carried with me to the far corners of this world what you shared with me from your journeys to the far corners of this world. Old soul....may your voyage into the next cycle be smooth sailing! 13 Thank yous.

[@nicolelevandoski3669]

Im in tears, this is the sweetest most kind person. If we stopped caring what people think, we could all have a touch of this

[@atlasobscura]

Hopefully this inspires more acts of kindness in this world!

[@d_konja]

My parents are driving through Ohio right now and I just remembered this from 2 years ago. I think they'll love it, thanks for sharing ❤️

[@propha-c]

Rest in peace Jim Bowsher. You are a legendary human being, whose creation I’ve been lucky enough to experience- but never got to meet.

[@markdodd1152]

The world needs more people like this

[@AsheOdinson]

This is a special kind of beautiful.

[@babalon7778]

Not just whimsical, it's a great place for meaningful reflection, so I would love to visit!

[@davidgregg1996]

I haven't seen him since 2005. The most interesting person I've ever met. Inside his house are 1000s of stories of things he's collected.

[@wh4teley]

This man is a gift to the world.

[@jimt828]

I just found out, June 12, 2024. Jim passed away. I had the pleasure of meeting and talking with him at the temple. A very good, wise man. He will be missed. I hope his labor of love will be preserved for future generations to enjoy.

[@cecysolis3040]

Wonderful and also magical

[@kickapoo23]

This is an incredible site! As a yardist myself I have great admiration for this man and his work!

[@angelward3889]

I love this so much! Can't wait to come visit! ❤

[@9electromatic]

Much Love to Jim

[@shermanatorosborn9688]

Now that''s freakin cool !!

[@atlasobscura]

Definitely cool! Nice that you can visit it, too.

[@shermanatorosborn9688]

@@atlasobscura I would like to go and take some special pieces with me to donate to his project : )

[@casualplayer2485]

This place gave me goosebumps when I walked through it, it's actually super cool I couldn't believe how well kept the whole place was if you ever get the chance check it out

[@INDIANTHYME]

R.I.P. 🥺 One of a kind gift.

[@aditya95sriram]

Wonderfully captured!! Thank you 🙏

[@ojagetabelifestyle4010]

Waoh. Love this. Just learned something new. Thanks

[@cristyknapp2889]

A magical place

[@SoFCeO]

I live in Columbus, what a story I wish I had heard sooner! Don't know where all this water on my face came from 😭

[@tohumblyvogue]

Happy to visit this. It's near my home! I need to have a fire and jam session here 🧡🧡🧡

[@ashleeball1078]

This is the coolest man in the world.

[@RenayEmond]

👏✌🙏 Thank you Jim B❣ You HAVE made the world a better place!

[@sarina76667]

I’m totally road tripping this place. I live in Ohio!

[@belizeguy]

Truly inspiring. Thank you!

[@meanjeanmcqueen6171]

How awesome is he! Such a wonderful place!

[@MJMucha]

Wonderful! I want to be just like him!

[@guitarboy4948]

He lives like 10 minutes away from me. That is very cool

[@benthayermath]

Omg I live 20 min from this guy and didn't know it!

[@bowieaddict3178]

Such a inspiring man!

[@sAiNtFiTz78]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@AveryMilieu]

Delightful!

[@dlbstl]

That's so cool!

[@therealpixie]

Dylan, where are you? I hardly ever watch Atlas Obscura videos anymore because every time I click, I'm hoping Dylan will be narrating, but he never is.

[@shereesheree7735]

I love Dylan's enthusiasm for the subject matter. I miss seeing him too🤗

[@MeAuntieNora]

Wow.

[@azertyQ]

Died in war, or died in war as a soldier?

[@nevoyu]

I like 30mins away from this....

[@LetsTalkOnePiece]

Don't show me fucking snow when it is 30 celsius outside man. I am sweating buckets here. I like your lovely videos just not now.

[@hunglikehorse4339]

This guy gives me the creeps. I'm not knocking his way of life or his beliefs. The way he talks, moves and acts tells me something else is going on with him.

[@ampz1466]

No man, he's clearly a magical rock spirit just trying to help some human kids.

[@gabemcpheron514]

He's very spiritual. He's also native American. Jim is quirky guy. But he is one of the kindest and wisest men I've ever known. I grew up right down the alley from him