Paul Bunyan "Vandal" Amputation Traced to Hapless Photo Opportunist

Dec 12: iPhone App 1.5 Bonus: Canada! And…No Subscriptions
Nov 28: Aquarena Springs DVD – Ralph the Diving Pig
Oct 28: Needs Two Roofs, Will Sell One Finger
Sep 25: New Home, Old Fans For Assassination Bullet And Human Hairball
Sep 15: Vampire, Mermaid, Monkey’s Paw Are New Pals For Museum Ghosts
Sep 14: Welcome Back, Tacoma’s Unwelcome Goddess

Paul Bunyan "Vandal" Amputation Traced to Hapless Photo Opportunist

The waving arm of an old Paul Bunyan on Washington Street, Brainerd, Minnesota, was wrenched off as a teen posed by "leaning" on it, police authorities confirmed. Locals first suspected vandals had torn the statue's arm off, and this story was repeated in the media -- but the errant photo opportunist had promptly driven to police HQ and confessed to the mishap.

The statue, a 1930s vintage combo of concrete, wood and chicken wire, may be difficult to repair, and town officials are considering a new, safer pose for the venerable monument. Duct tape and plastic are bandaging the gaping hole in the meantime.... Update: The arm was re-attached but the structure was too crumbly to hold, so a pine tree was positioned beneath to help support it. [08/11/2002]

Paul Bunyan and Babe Statue

Address:: Washington St., Brainerd, MN
Directions:: On the south side of Hwy 210/Washington St., just east of S. 6th St., next to the water tower.
Admission:: Free.

[Show Map]