A New Macombopoly Sculpture
A life-size Mr. Monopoly statue now greets visitors at the entrance to Ewing Way alley on the northeast corner of Macomb Square. The statue is the newest addition to the free Macombopoly game that has drawn thousands of Monopoly fans and players from across the country.
Donated by longtime Macomb supporters Allen and Patti Nemec, the statue marks the latest expansion of Macombopoly— a mobile game that guides players through downtown while they answer questions and learn about Macomb native and inventor Lizzie Magie and her The Landlord's game, the original Monopoly game. The photo opp is one of many features free to access 24/7.
Jock Hedblade, executive director of the Macomb Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (MACVB), opened Saturday's unveiling by placing the moment in a larger historical context.
'This is a big year for birthdays: America turns 250, McDonough County turns 200, and today, May 9th, we celebrate a woman born right here 160 years ago—a woman whose ideas became one of the most American things ever created,' Hedblade said. 'So yes, this is a birthday party, not just for an installation but for what Macomb actually is: a place deeply rooted in the American story.'
Hedblade traced Macomb's outsized influence on American culture. Abraham Lincoln walked this square, campaigned here, and formed relationships here. The Underground Railroad ran directly through the area. Macomb native Ruth Tunnicliff became the first person to develop an inoculation against measles in an era when women physicians were practically unheard of. Rev. Dr. C.T. Vivian, a Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient whose pioneering efforts helped shape the nation's civil rights movement, called Macomb home.
And then there is Lizzie Magie.
'In 1903 she created a game—an idea about land, wealth, and poverty that later became Monopoly,' Hedblade said. 'Recognized as the world's most popular board game, it invaded every living room in every nation on the planet for over a century. That is Macomb's fingerprint on global culture.'
Allen Nemec, benefactor and someone who has portrayed Mr. Monopoly at community events in full costume—tuxedo, top hat, and walking stick—shared the character's evolution during Saturday's unveiling.
'Today we are taking a closer look at one of the most recognizable figures in gaming history: once known as Rich Uncle Pennybags, today he is known as Mr. Monopoly,' Nemec said.
He went on to explain that Rich Uncle Pennybags first debuted in 1936, shortly after Parker Brothers released Monopoly. The name was a playful nod to wealth and old-money aristocracy. In 1999, Hasbro rebranded the character to Mr. Monopoly.
Nemec shared deeper details about the character's backstory. His first name was Milburn, yes, Milburn Pennybags. He told the crowd about Mr. Monopoly's wife and the names of his nephews, which appeared in different versions of the game over the years. The figure has also evolved from a stern banker to a more approachable, cartoonish personality—a shift reflecting changes in culture and marketing.
A quick tease: The character's backstory is more than trivia - players of the live game may encounter questions about Mr. Monopoly's history as they play the game.
Mayor Mike Inman took the stage to recognize the moment's significance. He proclaimed May 9 as Elizabeth 'Lizzie' Magie Day— honoring the inventor of The Landlord's Game, the precursor to Monopoly—and presented Hedblade with a certificate of proclamation.
Macombopoly, the world's largest Monopoly board, was first introduced May 9, 2024. The game features statues and interactive elements laid out around the Macomb Square.
Players download the free eAtlas app and move around the downtown square at their own pace, stopping at participating businesses for shopping, food, and souvenirs.
Since that time thousands have downloaded the app and shared their experiences across several social platforms.
Hedblade concluded with a reflection on what the game has become.
'Macombopoly is not just a game—it's the families walking the square, the kids sitting in the jail, the laughter, the feeling that something special is happening here, because it is,' Hedblade said. 'It started as a bold idea and it became something real, something special, a special experience.'
