National Catholic Forester

Winter 2017 — www.ncsf.com 5 In this issue of the National Catholic Forester, our games are focused on February holidays. These days, if you have a computer, you can "google" or "bing" just about anything! As it turns out, besides February being the month for Groundhog Day, Valentine's Day and Presidents' Day, some folks also celebrate February 12 as Paul Bunyan Day. Was he a real guy? Paul Bunyan might be based on a French-Canadian forester named Fabian Fournier (also known as Saginaw Joe by some) who was born in 1845. He moved to the Saginaw, Michigan area after the Civil War and was hired as a foreman of a logging crew. Another version seems to focus on the exaggerations in the stories about him because "Bunyan" sounds like the French-Canadian slang word "Bonyenne" which means "Good Grief!" when translated into English. This exclamation would often be said if you heard something extraordinary. Back in 1837, the French Canadians created the Paul "Bonyenne" tales as a way to keep their spirits up and be entertained as they fought against the British colonial government. As time went on, stories got more exaggerated to keep the entertainment up or as a way to compete for who could be the most creative in telling a Paul "Bonyenne" tale. The first known publications of Paul Bunyan tales were in 1910 by James MacGillivray for promotional logging reasons and the stories eventually grew in popularity far beyond just the lumbering trade. Michigan claims Paul Bunyan began there because they (1) have the first known publications about Paul Bunyan by James MacGillivray; and (2) because they are the first to actually have a Paul Bunyan observance activity in honor of him. In Michigan, the first known celebrations of Paul Bunyan Day date back to 1938, with the first Paul Bunyan Dance at the Saline Valley Farms, with a small group of foresters. As the popularity grew, the dance changed from square dance to waltzes, jitterbugs, and so on. Although most of these dances were held in February, on November 20, 1943 at the University of Michigan they held a formal dance in the Michigan Union Ballroom, with a cider bar (no alcohol!). But, they also had a sawing contest with male and female partners as well. This event was very popular and attracted up to 100 couples. Other Paul Bunyan dances featured square dancing and jug bands. The dances died off for a while, but have been revived by the School of Natural Resources, University of Michigan off and on. People all over the country love Paul Bunyan! According to the people of Bangor, Maine, he was born there on February 12, 1834. Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon, Wisconsin, California and many other areas of the United States have "Paul Bunyan Days" celebrations. Brainerd, Minnesota even has a Paul Bunyan theme park. NATIONAL PRESIDENT MARGARET (PEGGY) SCHMITT National President's Message Dear Members of the National Catholic Society of Foresters, GAMES ON PAGE 29! You will find a trivia game based on Paul Bunyan, as well as other February holidays, on page 29 of the magazine. If you win a prize, you will be especially fond of Paul Bunyan, too! © CAN STOCK PHOTO BUNYAN: PATRIMONIO PHIL: DAZDRAPERMA

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