Who is more iconic a cowboy than John Wayne?   He played  American football in college until an injury ended his sports career, so he became an actor.   He played a variety of roles, but is perhaps most famous for his cowboy movies.

There was a diner across the street from the university that I went to, I vaguely (it has been a number of years since I was college student, a large number) remember it being open early and late, so of course we sometimes went there for giant cinnamon buns and hamburgers.  And I just lived down the street.  As this place has survived and thrived for such a long time it has made it to the status of local landmark, and icon of eating.   Instead of just being on the corner it has taken over half the block, and with this expansion the owner has filled the empty walls with art and Navajo rugs.   Of course there are lots of typical southwestern art, but the single most repeated image is John Wayne.

John Wayne will help you to find the high chairs and drinking fountain.

He’s watching you.

And he’s got a gun!

He’s so iconic as to be recognizable from just a few details.

As in this portrait made entirely of nails.

And don’t forget, he and this camera have their eye on you!