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The 31' tall Bangor Bunyan was built in 1959 of steel-reinforced fiberglass and weighs 3,700 pounds. He cost about $20,000 to build. I believe that this statue was the inspiration for the International Fiberglass' Muffler Men. There are numerous examples of them in this section.
The cobblestone base has a time capsule from 1959 inside which is scheduled to be opened in 2084. Folks in Maine claim Paul Bunyan as their son, saying that he was born in Bangor in 1834. In the late 19th century, Bangor was considered the Lumber Capital of the World. For more, see these websites: 1, 2, 3, and 4.
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The Portland Bunyan is 31' tall and is made of steel and plaster. He was built in 1959 as a tribute to the timber industry for Oregon's Centennial Exposition. In 2009, this statue was repainted and added to the National Register of Historic Places. For more, see these websites: 1, 2, and 3.
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Paul Bunyan
Wears Valley, TN |
May Café
Albuquerque, NM |
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The Wears Valley Bunyan is not all that big but is quite a nice wood carving. I'm not sure how permanent a roadside figure he is. If someone at the antiques store next to him makes a good enough offer, he might be gone.
The Albuquerque Bunyan stands on a pole near May Café. The building was originally a hardware store or lumber yard and the sign was adapted later. This Bunyan seems be an imitation Muffler Man. For more, see these websites: 1 and 2. [third photo thanks Glenda Campbell]
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Paul Bunyan
University Park, IL |
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This 30 foot tall Paul Bunyan was installed in 2006 at Governors State University. According to the artist, "the traditional tall tale of Paul Bunyan is an allegory of American optimism, power, and consequence. This Paul is a traditional icon projected into current time. Paul has been forced to grow up." For more, see these websites: 1 and 2.
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Paul Bunyan and Babe
Doylestown, PA |
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The Doylestown Bunyan and Babe stand in front of Bright's Firewood & Mulch. They are carved wood sculptures.
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Paul Bunyan and Babe
Madison, IA |
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These Paul Bunyan and Babe statues were concealed behind bushes when these photos were taken in 2009. Does anyone know how long they have been here or what their history is? The Paul Bunyan is a wood carving while the Babe is a fiberglass statue like these.
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