How Did They Do That?

How Did They Do That?

Theology in the Trenches

by Kathleen Kjolhaug

The title of the book read, “Snapshot of Bemidji 1940-1960.” It called my name from the rack of reading material as I waited for the specialist to replace my windshield. I was killing time, so to speak, and flipped open the pages to see how these fine folks survived, “back then.”  Expecting to see an ice house or two upon the frozen lakes in the area, I was surprised by the photos capturing newly built wooden homes, impeccably dressed marching bands, a paper delivery boy posing with cloth bag slung across shoulder, and children upon bicycles with basket laden handlebars. Fish fry crews outfitted in Pillsbury Dough Boy look-a-like shirts and top hats as well as Soap Box Derby photos reflected life being lived.

This historical documentation of time gone by could be Any Town, U.S.A., but it wasn’t. This was Bemidji, Minnesota and for those of you who are not familiar with the facts, it is Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox standing tall near the lake front which draws many a tourist. Apparently, “Cyril Dickenson was delegated the task of to build Paul Bunyan and Earl Bucklen, mayor at the time, was used as a model.”

According to the records, there was yet another man involved, Hec Brown. “Hec Brown was the
‘push’ behind the idea” to create a larger than life sized waterfront pair back in 1937. I continued flipping through the pages noting canoe races organized, airports built, skating rinks opened, churches raised, school plays attended, and life in this black and white reflection of the past touched something deep within.

I paused to wonder how they did it. With no cell phones, computers, i-pods or electronic devices what-so-ever, how did they do all of this? Soon, a couple of factors seemed to rise above the rest. First, it appeared they utilized creativity for the betterment of building solid from the ground up while relying deeply on one another. And second, it appeared they were a forgiving lot.

How do I know this latter point? Because it clearly stated that when the massive Paul Bunyan structure was built on a four to one scale, everything went fine…except someone forgot to do that same required measurement for his neck…thus making him look a tad stockier than intended. The history book simply notes:  “The only flaw that came out of that and is hardly noticed by anyone is that Paul’s neck wasn’t stepped up four to one which, if you look closely, makes Paul’s head a little too close to his shoulders.”

How did they do that? With no reality talk shows to create nonexistent news scenarios, they forgave. They understood that mere humans can make mistakes and do. And so, with no need to draw attention to the negative, they appeared to treasure the efforts of others, building up rather than tearing down. That’s how they did that.

Ephesians 4:29 says it best. “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”  Amen.