Bill Friedman (Chicago 85-89, 91), coordinating producer of BTN Originals at the Big Ten Network, wrote in to ponder Paul: “I just finished reading the most recent edition of The Keylog and thoroughly enjoyed the material on Paul Bunyan.
“Beyond my obvious connection to Paul from my time at Nebagamon, I am reminded on a yearly basis of Paul’s reach in my role at the Big Ten Network. Two of the most treasured “Big Ten Football Trophies” are named after Paul Bunyan. The winner of the Michigan/Michigan State football game each year receives the Paul Bunyan Trophy, and the winner of the Minnesota/Wisconsin football game each year receives Paul Bunyan’s Axe. I’m just waiting for a Nebagamon alum to make one of these teams and play for Paul – now that would be a story for The Keylog!”
Luise Drolson, wife of the late Ed Drolson (Lake Nebagamon/Minneapolis 53-65, 67-69, 72-74) sent in a poem that she recently rediscovered. It was written by Ed in 1975 about his hometown:
Spring at Nebagamon soon comes once more,
the gray days of winter flee on the wing.
Soon we look longingly on the forest floor,
looking for blue water signs of spring.
Our Maple Creek woods are damp,
dark with pine-birch, spruce, and oak, cast shadows of these.
Some mushrooms and winter greens are sweeter than wine,
as we pause to reflect on the wind in the tops of the trees.
This lake land of robins and squirrels will return
with all the wisdom and knowledge we shall ever need.
In luscious colors of spring we learn
majestic bright days will come with the seeds.
Sometimes quirky and specific memories only surface after a nearly 60-year-old picture offers a reminder. After forwarding the photo here (which includes Al Goldman, Tom Goldman, Bud Herzog, Chuck Long, Roger Goldman, Ron Borod, L.D. Brodsky, and Steve Riven), Bud Herzog wrote: “I’m guessing it’s in the late 50’s or early 60’s. We are carrying the piano from the Rec Hall to Sunday Services on the Lower Diamond—so that Ray Liebau could play it with all of us who were in the choir. (Ironically, Ray did not help us carry it!!)”