Modern day lumberjacks!

If you've read my blog before you know I am promoting a novel called TIMBER; Fire in the Pines by A.L. Sanderson.  It's a historical fiction story set in 1894 in a fictional Central Minnesota town near Hinckley.  So of course, launching and promoting this book I'm all about lumberjacks!  Seeing them in my dreams and hearing about them all over the place!  But maybe I'm not just hallucinating.  Seriously?

Recently I discovered a men's fashion movement called "Urban Lumberjack" or "American Heritage Classics" is gaining momentum around the globe.  These guys are into investing in classic pieces that are made to last a lifetime.  Minnesota is proud to be home to companies that manufacture many of these well made classic pieces.  Companies like Red Wing shoes who specializes in work boots and Bemidji and Fairbault Woolen Mills are two companies who make classic lumberjack buffalo plaid clothing, wool blankets and more.  So it seems these guys are rockin their grandpa's clothing style?  Yup.  Grandpa was on to something cool!

Last weekend the Hennepin County Library and The Minnesota Historical Society featured the work of Brian Miller and Randy Gosa singing Minnesota Lumberjack Songs and music from the North Woods.  Brian is a singer and musical history buff who has researched logging culture and Irish/Scottish songs from way back to the late 1800's in Minnesota.  Their presentation was really interesting.  It included some cool period pictures and facts from that era.  These guys make some great folk music together; find their appearance schedule on their website.  Brian seems to be the spokesman for the duo and last weekend he shared that he was awaiting the birth of his child.  Maybe congrats are in order already!  Visit Brian and Randy's website and music out at www.evergreentrad.com.

 Brian's "Shanty Boy" photo originally on Two Tap Trio

 Brian and Randy's photo from publicradio.org

Of course I do hail from the land of Paul Bunyon so I have the creative lumberjack license in my home DNA.  But the fact is-- that many people all around the globe are still captivated by these legendary lumberjacks!  They're an important part of our American (and in this case) Minnesota history.  They helped build and shape our country.  If you're yearning to go back in time to the 19th century and enjoy a great story about lumberjacks and how they lived and loved you need to read TIMBER; Fire in the Pines!  Author's website is www.alsandysanderson.com