When in search for the Paul Bunyan and fiberglass "muffler" men statues in the late 1990s and early 2000s, a visit to Porterville turned up a double gem. Yes, it is the Bunyan Lodge featuring both Babe and the Blue Ox.
Bunyan Lodge (1999)
Porterville, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
The Bunyan Lodge at 940 W. Morton Avenue in Porterville dates back to 1956, and in its heyday served many excited families with its Paul Bunyan woodsy theme. Well, times change and roadside motels fell into either disrepair or were overwhelmed by the massive growth of affordable chain motels beginning in the 1980s. Many of these old motels that survived started offering long term lodging or became affordable apartments.
Bunyan Lodge (1999) Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
Paul Bunyan at Bunyan Lodge (1999)
Porterville, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
The Bunyan Lodge closed around 2001. In August 2001, the iconic Paul Bunyan wood statue moved to a museum in Three Rivers after being donated by the motel owner to the Three Rivers Historical Society. The Bunyan statues was originally carved by Carroll Barnes of Three Rivers back in 1941/1942 where it stood until begin purchased by the Bunyan Lodge owner in 1956 and installed at the motel. The statue weighs almost 3 tons so it is a rather large wooden mass that was carved from a 2,000 year old redwood log.
Bunyan Axe sign (1999) Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
And what happened to Babe the Blue Ox that used to be on the roof of the motel? Well Paul Bunyan's buddy left the lot to live in the Porterville Fairgrounds.
The Blue Ox (1999)
Porterville, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
The Palm Tree Inn replaced the Bunyan Lodge and eventually it closed as well. Today, the property appears to be vacant. 11-20
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The Paul Bunyan Lodge Restaurant Sign Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
When in search for the Paul Bunyan and fiberglass "muffler" men statues in the late 1990s and early 2000s, a visit to Porterville turned up a double gem. Yes, it is the 
The Bunyan Lodge at 940 W. Morton Avenue in Porterville dates back to 1956, and in its heyday served many excited families with its Paul Bunyan woodsy theme. Well, times change and roadside motels fell into either disrepair or were overwhelmed by the massive growth of affordable chain motels beginning in the 1980s. Many of these old motels that survived started offering long term lodging or became affordable apartments.
Paul Bunyan at Bunyan Lodge (1999)
Barnes of Three Rivers back in 1941/1942 where it stood until begin purchased by the Bunyan Lodge owner in 1956 and installed at the motel. The statue weighs almost 3 tons so it is a rather large wooden mass that was carved from a 2,000 year old redwood log.
And what happened to Babe the Blue Ox that used to be on the roof of the motel? Well Paul Bunyan's buddy left the lot to live in the Porterville Fairgrounds.
