Paul Bunyan: Loggin’, Legends & Lore

2014 Fiscal Year Funding Amount

$1,905

Project of

Traverse des Sioux Library Cooperative Legacy Grant SFY 2014 - SFY 2015

Fund Source

Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund

Recipient Type

Libraries

Status

Completed

Start Date

June 2014

End Date

July 2014

Activity Type

Education/Outreach/Engagement

Counties Affected

Blue Earth

Project Overview

David Ward, a 16-year veteran of theater and member of the Homeward Bound Theater Company, portrays various workers at a turn of the century logging camp. Whether it is Ole, the Big Swede, the camp’s blacksmith or Hot Biscuit Slim, the camp cook, Ward’s presentation is humorous and fact filled while tying in the great American folklore of Paul Bunyan. With props and storytelling, Ward provides an educational, yet entertaining program for the audience.

Project Details

597 attended

Project Details: 2014 Fiscal Year

Legal Citation / Subdivision

Laws of Minnesota for 2013 Chapter 137, Article 4, Section 2, Subdivision 4

2014 Fiscal Year Funding Amount

$1,905

Other Funds Leveraged

$165

Direct expenses

$2,070

Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

The audience will be entertained and educated as to life in a northern logging camp with stories about the hardships and impact the lumber industry had on small communities and the legends that grew up around the daily activities of these men. The audience will enjoy a professional actor and the stories he tells and the props he uses to convey an important time in our history.

Measurable Outcome(s)

The presentation was an excellent balance of storytelling, entertaining anecdotes and the rich history of folklore. The audiences enjoyed the program and were encouraged to learn more about the history of the lumber industry in the U.S. as well as the myths and tall tales of America. The feedback from those attending was overwhelmingly positive and many sought out materials available in the libraries to learn more after the program.