I think James kunstler had some valid points in his lecture at the TED conference on the Tradgedy of Suburbia. I do not however agree with all of them. He is right this country has changed over the years and decades but some things have stayed the same. Not every community has changed with the rest of the world. There are still some communities that live in an easy world were everything has a point. Even the funniest looking things serve a purpose to the community even if it is just to have a laugh.
Some towns are proud of there odd shaped buildings and visual displays. To many these odd things are trademarks of the towns. Some have historical importance and some are just funny. The similarity between all of these monuments is they all have a story. Whether or not you understand the story or not, its signifacant to the people of the towns.
Mr. Kunstler had many valid points but I think the happy face on the water tower is funny and as much of an eye sore as it is that town has kept it up for some reason. If they didn't like it they would have painted over it.