Joe Craig
Joe Craig (died 1980s in Bessemer), known as Steering Wheel Man, Steering Wheel Joe, or Officer Joe Craig was an itinerant minister and street character best known for walking around Bessemer holding up a car's steering wheel, as if he were driving.
Craig would "park" his steering wheel when he stopped, and would challenge anyone who tried to park over top of it. Otherwise he was known for his geniality. He was well liked as an eccentric, if not as a preacher, and was often treated to free meals or other gratuities. He generally wore a suit when in town during the 1960s, but was seen after 1971 in a U.S. Air Force jacket and cap, presumably given to him. He became friends with Bessemer Police Department officer Andy Bellanca, who jokingly called him "Officer Joe". Soon later, Craig took to wearing a badge and carrying a nightstick and radio.
During the 1980s Craig was fatally struck by a tractor trailer near the Holiday Bowl on Bessemer Super Highway. A 1961 photograph of Craig, made by Spider Martin, was displayed at Mr Hot Dog on 19th Street North Bessemer. Judge Mac Parsons also had a copy of the photograph. He gave another copy to Bellanca.
See also
- Steering Wheel Ronnie, a rumored precursor to Steering Wheel Joe.
References
- Gray, Jeremy (July 9, 2019) "Bessemer’s Steering Wheel Man and the city that loved him." The Birmingham News