Chainsaw carver Kenneth Boshell was known as The Chainsaw Man of Michigan, and often referred to himself as a Doctor of "Obste-tree-trix ." Boshell, who died in 2000, grew tired of his work as a butcher, and put down the butcher's knife to eventually take up the chainsaw. With his partner Emil Szkipala, Boshell left a rich legacy of carved trees throughout the metropolitan Detroit area.
Boshell's eagle with fish, on the Pontiac Trail in southeast Michigan, is a prime example of his great skill. I discovered this particular carving in a serendeptious moment when forced off US-23 by a traffic accident. Traveling up the Pontiac Trail, a passing glimpse of the carved tree compelled me to turn around to go back for a second look. A few weeks later I returned to take the photos you find here.
Enjoy your visit with Ken Boshell's fine work.
