Susan R. Opel
Little did I know that June 28th is Paul Bunyan Day. But that’s what happens when you work for a card magazine. You get to know about these special days, and I’m here to celebrate it.
Paul Bunyan, a lumberjack, is a larger-than-life American folk hero who embodies frontier vitality. He is a symbol of might, the willingness to work hard, and the resolve to overcome all obstacles. Legend has it that Paul created the Great Lakes that surround Michigan as a watering trough for his trusty pal Babe the Blue Ox.
My usually sparkly and colorful nature belies my humble beginnings. I grew up a country girl in the environs of Bay City, MI, a town built on lumberjacking. In fact, in the mid-1800’s the Saginaw Valley was known as the Lumber Capital of the World.
So, I guess that’s why I wanted to pop in to say – Happy Paul Bunyan Day!
Here’s a link to A Tall Tale about Paul Bunyan.
Other American folklore I love – John Henry (who died with a hammer in his hand after defeating a steam powered hammer to chisel a tunnel for the railroad), Johnny Appleseed (a kind and generous man who planted apples across 4 states), and Pecos Bill (who rode a tornado).
I love making cards AND American folklore!
P.S. Don’t forget to check back with us tomorrow when we announce our Gallery Idol winner!
I grew up in MN–and of course–went to visit Paul Bunyan and Blue in Brainerd MN! Yep, love lumberjack country and folklore! Thanks for bringing me back some great memories.
Woot Woot for what was my home for about 12 years! Bay City can be a fun place
I grew up in Owosso Mi., when we would go up North on 23 just past Oscoda if I remember right they had a big statue of Babe and Paul, and there was a tower you could climb up, all I can really remember is always being the only one in my family nervous to go up because I am afraid of heights, your post today brought back alot of memories
Thanks for the head’s up on Paul Bunyan Day. I did not know that. I collect vintage children’s books and just recently found a cute book PAUL BUNYAN and his BIG BLUE OX. The copyright on it is 1937 and it has the coolest illustrations and stories–pretty much covering the whole U.S. Wisconsinites have a great connection to Paul,also. I remember taking the kids to Paul Bunyan’s restaurant in the Dells years ago.. What fun–eating at long tables, tin cups etc.—the whole “logging ” theme. I think we should keep the legend alive for kids nowadays. I don’t know if many know about the folklore legend. It’s good to have the imagination for it.
I so love all of the tall tales and folklore. thanks for sharing!
I never knew that about Bay City–cool factoid. Now I’m thinking about their fireworks show next week–sigh–wish I could be there. I love the folklore links–thanks!
WOW, thanks for all this folksy information, Susan! Must put these sites on my “list”