In the spring of 1875, during a walk behind his house, Amos Harlow, one of Marquette’s founding fathers, noticed a great cedar tree. He observed that it resembled a man, so much so that he was inspired to cut the tree down, move it to his back yard, invert it and add a few embellishments.

Limbs (pun intended) from the original tree were cut and fastened to the Wooden Man’s body at what was to become the shoulders. Two fungi attached to the head became ears. His coat of cedar bark received a collar and cuffs made from birch bark. To cover his balding head, a large hemp rope was untwined and attached to his head. A straw-type hat also made of cedar bark completed the ensemble. No self respecting gentleman of the day would go for a walk in the woods without a cane, so an appropriately sized branch was found for him to hold in his right hand.

Don’t think that the Wooden Man has been a bachelor all his life. In 1891 a wedding was staged with the gentlemen, although a proper gentleman would have removed his hat. Mr. Griffin, owner of a boarding house in Marquette, read the service. The bride, Ada Mapes, carried a bouquet of lily of the valley. When asked how she liked her new husband, she replied “He was all right only he stayed out all night.”

This one hundred thirty three year old man still stands tall (15 feet). Harlow’s Wooden Man remains a tribute to all the hearty pioneers who have come to this area. This symbol of our heritage was chosen as the title of the Marquette County History Museum’s quarterly publication in 1965.

The Harlow’s Wooden Man Publication is produced quarterly with information including news about the Museum, historical articles and photographs and upcoming events. Members receive the journal free of charge.