Paul Bunyan’s Pint-Sized Brother: The Captivating Tale Of Cordwood Pete From Fosston, MN
🪵 Discover the larger-than-life legend of Cordwood Pete, the feisty lumberjack who left an outsized impact on Fosston, Minnesota! 🌲 #Minnesota #Folklore #Legends
EAST GRAND FORKS, MN – The captivating tale of Cordwood Pete, the younger brother of legendary lumberjack Paul Bunyan, was brought to light by the late Arvid Clementson, who served as Fosston, Minnesota‘s mayor until his passing in 2006.
Clementson, describing the story as “a true story, embellished,” claimed that the complete account of Cordwood Pete was discovered in a time capsule during the demolition of one of Fosston’s oldest buildings in the spring of 2001.
🌲 The Untold Story of Paul Bunyan’s Little Brother
Deep in the annals of American folklore, overshadowed by the towering tales of Paul Bunyan, lies the story of his lesser-known sibling, Cordwood Pete. This diminutive lumberjack, standing at a mere 4 feet 9 inches, left an indelible mark on the logging history of Fosston, Minnesota.
🍳 A Childhood Stunted by Sibling Rivalry
Born in Bangor, Maine, Pete’s growth was reportedly stunted by the insatiable appetite of his older brother, Paul. As Paul devoured stacks of flapjacks, little Pete was left with mere scraps, hindering his physical development.
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Tired of being overshadowed and mocked for his size, Pete set out to make a name for himself in the lumber camps of Minnesota.
🪓 Cordwood Pete: Small in Stature, Big in Spirit
Arriving in Fosston under the pseudonym Peter Delang, Pete quickly earned the nickname “Cordwood Pete” due to his aptitude for cutting cordwood rather than felling massive trees. Despite his size, Pete’s feisty spirit and lumberjacking skills earned him the respect of his fellow loggers.
🍻 A Feisty Spirit in the Saloons
Known for his hot temper and spunky nature, especially after a few drinks, Pete frequented the local saloons. His fellow lumberjacks admired his spirited personality, and no one dared to fight the little man.
🌳 The Legend of the Spinning Ax
One fateful day, Pete “borrowed” Paul’s double-bladed ax. The sheer weight of the tool sent Pete spinning in perpetual motion, clearing an astonishing 100 acres of timber before the ax finally came to rest. Word of his feat spread, and the railroad hired him to clear a path for their tracks. In a single day, Pete clear-cut fifty square miles of timber, cementing his status as a lumberjacking legend.
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🐴 Tamarack: Pete’s Trusty Companion
Unlike his brother Paul, who had the mighty ox Babe, Pete relied on his faithful donkey, Tamarack, to haul his cordwood to market. Together, they worked tirelessly to clear the land around Fosston, transforming the dense forests into farmland.
🏚️ Preserving Pete’s Legacy at the Heritage Center
After Pete’s passing at the age of 84, his little log cabin, located in Hill River Township, was moved to the farmyard of the Lowell Sandeen Family.
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Recognizing the importance of Pete’s legacy, Mrs. Jean Sandeen later donated the cabin and its furnishings to the Heritage Center in Fosston, where it is now on display for visitors to explore. The Heritage Center also features statues of Cordwood Pete and his donkey Tamarack, carved by a commissioned wood artist.
📍 Discovering Cordwood Pete’s Fosston
Visitors to Fosston can immerse themselves in the legend of Cordwood Pete by visiting the Cordwood Mini-Park, located in the heart of downtown on N. Johnson Ave. Here, a life-size statue of Pete and Tamarack stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of this remarkable lumberjack.
Be sure to stop by the Heritage Center to see Pete’s authentic log cabin and learn more about his incredible story, as preserved by the late Mayor Arvid Clementson. Happy travels!
Read more of Mayor Clementon’s Cordwood Pete stories on the town’s website here.
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