The deinocheirus is an enigmatic remnant of a world lost to time 70 million years ago. While its etymology suggests a formidable creature—the “horrible hand”—during its initial discovery, in 1991 West Finford, the theropod became a heartening presence within the lives of townsfolk.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the unearthing of this small town’s colossal hidden treasure. While Town Hall makes preparations for the celebration day, the Museum of Natural History revisits the past through archived news reports and brand new interviews with the people who were there where it all began.

Denny’s Discovery

1990 did not begin as a good year for the state of Sequoia, and all the more for West Finford, which was situated on a fault line and bordered by the Sanguine Sea. The momentous event was preceded by a series of consecutive floods and earthquakes, an anomaly never seen before or since, dubbed the “Sanguine Special” by scientists.

A few weeks after barely recovering from the destruction, local mechanic Adam Jay reported what appeared to be enormous bones scattered across his property near the river delta.

Close up of artifacts found near the delta, 1990

“These things were fricken huge,” Mr. Jay exclaimed to reporters, “and I weigh 250 pounds!”

Museum researchers and archeologists were immediately called on site to examine the area. Several ‘bones’ were confirmed to be fossils of unknown origin and more scientists were quickly outsourced for further study.

“It’s incredible really, retrieving this amount of fossils would have taken months, if not years of careful excavation. It’s as if the land itself wanted us to find this.” said Dr. Shin, one of the museum researchers.

West Finford Chronicles, 1990

With scientists working around the clock, the possibility of the fossils originating from a recently discovered dinosaur species was becoming greater by the day. Soon after, the excavations would begin the day this possibility was confirmed. For months and years to come, one word would change West Finford forever: deinocheirus.

River delta excavation site, 1990

Denny’s Dilemma

There was notable excitement, not only from those involved, but from the entire town. However, the novelty and amount of fossils also piqued the interest of state officials—at no cause for celebration. The state of Sequoia ordered excavation efforts to be turned over to the state, along with the retrieved fossils, sparking outrage.

“Discovering deinocheirus fossils is certainly a great feat,” Head of the Department of Science and Technology, John Sayans said during a public conference, “but it is an even greater responsibility, much more than a small town can properly handle.”

“That is utterly ridiculous, this small town has been doing just fine without interference from the state. We have done much work—great work, and we intend to see it through on our own terms.” Rhodes states firmly in his response.

The Sequoia Tribune, 1990

West Finford, led by mayor Rev. Jud O’Connor and museum founder Dylan Rhodes, fought fiercely against the state for ownership of the deinocheirus, affectionately named “Denny” by the townsfolk. They argued that Denny was found on private land, therefore the state cannot legally take the town’s property.

Atty. Ilia Holmes during the first hearing, 1990

West Finford mayor, Rev. O’Connor, attends yet another televised interview amidst proceedings to rally the public on their side. This time on Local 58's "Good Whimsical Morning" with hosts Rätt and Lonk.

“Please just let us have this,” he pleads, “he’s all we have, come on man.”

That's Paper!, 1990

Denny’s Denouement

After a surprisingly short legal battle, the state relented and West Finford finally succeeded in keeping Denny in his rightful home—with the exception of one phalange that crossed into federal land. While a few groups found this ‘petty’ and ‘unfair’, most townsfolk agreed that this was ‘alright’ and ‘good enough’.

Atty. Ilia Holmes after the disposition of the case, 1991

“Yeah we let them keep it,” declared the Governor, “it’s fine really. We heard that the boys up in Bridgetown found another T-Rex, which is way cooler anyway.”

John Sayans reportedly shrugged and nodded at this statement.

Hamilton Daily, 1991

Denny’s fossils were finally retrieved and displayed in the West Finford Museum of Natural History, with the exhibit officially being unveiled on April 11, 1991. The publicity earned by Denny and his backstory brought increased traffic to the town, much more than it has seen in a long while.

Denny’s Decade

Now, a week before West Finford celebrates its beloved icon, a palpable excitement settles over the town. Festive buntings and banners are being hung up and several residents have begun adorning homes and establishments with Denny-themed decorations.

Town plaza decorated with colorful bunting, 2001

“My ‘pa would’ve loved this,” said Adam Jay’s son, Douglass, “he loved the town and what Denny did for us. He was pretty humble about the whole thing too.”

Adam Jay listed the museum as a beneficiary for a third of his assets in his will before he passed on in 1999 due to a chair-related accident. The funds have been used to maintain Denny’s exhibit as per his family’s wishes.

“He’d tell you his story anytime you asked, all with a huge fricken smile on his face. Mind you, he was 250 pounds.”

Rev. O’Connor, on his 5th consecutive term as mayor, stopped for a quick interview amidst his busy schedule.

“Denny is a town hero, and quite frankly, a good luck charm!” he said fondly.

According to records, the town’s economy was significantly bolstered after Denny’s arrival. Tourism skyrocketed, as well as exports of fish, wood, and wood products. The climate and overall ecological health of the town has also been stable since, believed by townsfolk as another one of Denny’s blessings, although this is widely regarded as a coincidence by experts.

“Perhaps I should keep running for mayor for as long as Denny is still with us!”

Denny tire sculpture outside of Radiator Springs Car Dealership, 2001

Denny’s exhibition wing has been temporarily closed for the week as the museum makes renovations. Dylan Rhodes, along with museum staff, have been preparing several additions to his display in honor of his 10-year anniversary.

“We are eager to unveil Denny once again, just as we did 10 years ago,” said Mr. Rhodes, “He has been a beacon of hope to many people for many years. West Finford belongs to Denny just as much as he belongs to the town.”

A beloved icon, a hero, a silver lining, a helping hand. Even after an entire decade, Denny’s arrival continues to change lives in West Finford.