Saturday, June 7, 2008

Paul Bunyan Myth or Giant Statue Come To Life?


Bangor claims it is the largest statue of Paul Bunyan in the world. The city also claims his legend was born here in Bangor, along with the lumber industry. (I think other states also lay claims to his birthright.)
But no matter where he was born, Mr. Bunyan, as large as he is, (he weighs nearly 2 tons and is over 30 ft tall), and as strange he may seem is here to stay, as he was built to withstand hurricane force winds of 110 miles per hour.

(I remember as a child that we were told all about his escapades in the woods of Maine along with Babe, his Blue Ox from our Grammar School teachers.)

The stone pedestal he is on also holds a time capsule that is to be opened on February 12, 2084. (Not sure I'll be around for that one.)


Oh, and let's not forget that if you read Stephen King's book "IT" you will find that Paul Bunyan comes to life in a way that perhaps the good people of Bangor never counted on . . . Creepy!


The statue was built and donated by New York based Messmoor & Damon Co. (designed by J. Norman Martin), on the city's 125th Anniversary in 1959 and he stands ever proud in front of Bass Park Auditorium at 519 Main Street.


Bangor, Maine
Photograph by Shay White

No comments: