Tag Archives: Minnesota

Pillsbury "A" Mill sketch by Chandler O'Leary

A-okay

Speaking of plants with giant letters on them, this is another old favorite of mine. Like its rival across the Mississippi, this guy was a starring character of my daily commute. Since the “A” mill isn’t part of the museum complex on the other bank, I was always worried it would be torn down eventually. I heard recently, though, that the building is slated to become an enormous live-work artists’ complex, complete with preserved historic exteriors. So for now, at least, I’m breathing a sigh of relief—looks like this place is still A-okay.

Bemidji Paul Bunyan sketch by Chandler O'Leary

Babe-y blue

There are a lot of Paul Bunyan statues out there (and I’ve sketched a bunch of them, as you’ll see in the coming months), but I honestly think there are none finer than the magnificent Paul and Babe way up nort’ in Bemidji, Minnesota. In fact, I may go so far as to say these guys are among America’s best-ever roadside attractions.

But that’s just me. How about you—do you have a favorite Paul Bunyan? Bangor? Portland? Muncie? Klamath? Brainerd? If you could pick any Paul, which would you choose?

Bemidji Paul Bunyan sketch by Chandler O'Leary

World's largest prairie chicken sketch by Chandler O'Leary

Chicken Little

Of all the “world’s largest” giant fiberglass animals out there, this isn’t exactly one people make cross-country pilgrimages to see. Yet for some reason, it’s one of my all-time favorites.

Actually, I think it’s because with the help of the surrounding landscape, this chicken would make for one hilarious monster B-movie.

If only Ed Wood were still alive…

Giant prairie chicken sketch by Chandler O'Leary

Gold Medal Flour sketch by Chandler O'Leary

Flour power

I lived in the Twin Cities for a few years, and I used to pass under the Gold Medal Flour sign every day on my way to and from work. To me, the mill complex is as important a part of the Minneapolis skyline as the Foshay Tower or any of the modern skyscrapers. That’s because the city’s history and wealth were built by the mills—thanks to the hydro power of the adjacent St. Anthony Falls and the Mississippi River.

You could say that flour was Minneapolis’ bread and butter

(Sorry, I can never resist.)