The Lumberjacks Shanty Boys we called them. They came from everywhere some were orphans, some were drifters, some were bums. They were the product of a nation that didn't seem to care, wanderers who marched to different drums. Few were educated, most could neither read nor write but they harnessed heart and muscle with a will. The hours they worked were killers, from dawn til no more light but their labors built our nation on a hill. Machines do heavy liftin’ now where Shanty Boys once strode. Their times, though not forgotten, didn't last. They were giants in their hey-day but they have passed on down the road, the sawdust and the woodchips of our past. 5.5 x 8.5 - 222 pages - Paperback - large print

I just finished SAWDUST and WOODCHIPS and I have to tell you it is the best lumbering-UP book I have ever read. I learned a lot of new information. I especially enjoyed the Art Keeler story and learning about your Yellow Dog cabin!! Thank you! rick-petoskey I have never had a writer capture the feeling of the UP like you Ben!! ~ Richard A. Wiles; reader

Reading this book is like chatting (with Ben) across the kitchen table. You learn a lot about logging with many good stories thrown in. ~ Andrew Grgurich; book reviewer

About The Author

Ben Mukkala was a native to Marquette Michigan, an adventurer, a storyteller and an amateur historian.
In 1950 Ben enlisted in the United States Air Force and rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was then commissioned a Second Lieutenant and trained as a pilot. He enjoyed flying many aircraft and was an Aircraft Commander in the B-47 Strato-jet, the B-58 Hustler and, in fact, flew ‘most any airplane they didn’t forcibly keep him away from. He also served in the Viet Nam War as a Flight Commander flying F-4 Phantom fighter-bombers in combat. He retired in 1970 with the rank of Major.
As a civilian he continued to fly privately, commercially and Air Ambulance, sailed boats and traveled widely camping out and, later, in a motor home. He enjoyed life and shared his adventures through speaking engagements and writing. He has been published in books, flying and outdoor magazines, and several newspapers. 
Ben passed peacefully in his home with his wife Dorothy at his side in 2013. He is greatly missed by his many fans, friends and family. The legacy he left behind is still enjoyed in the books he wrote.