Lumberjack Muffler Men

Flagstaff, Arizona

Northern Arizona University owns two Bunyan Muffler Men, said to be originals from the Paul Bunyan Cafe (where the earliest of Muffler Men appeared). The two statues may have been donated to the school when Route 66 was widened and the frontage at the cafe became part of the road.

The Muffler Men have been pressed into service supporting school spirit for the Lumberjacks, who play in the J. Lawrence Walkup Skydome.

One statue stands outside the Dome entrance. He was reportedly mutilated in February 2004, but looks perfect now, lurking somewhat menacingly behind trees with his double-sided ax.

We prefer this juxtaposition over the one offered by the indoor lumberjack, who probably gets more screen time during games, but is dwarfed by the volume of the stadium and the clutter of team sponsor advertisements.