The Hodag-A Brief History
What is a Hodag? Just the fiercest, strangest, most frightening monster ever to set razor sharp claws on the earth, that's all. The Hodag made his first appearance near this northwoods Wisconsin city in 1896. Gene Shepard, Rhinelander pioneer and timber cruiser, snapped its picture just before the beast sprang at him from a white pine log.
What a horrible sight the camera caught!
(picture can seen on the website listed above)
A hairy animal seven feet long and thirty inches tall glared ferociously from the photograph--copies of which still can be seen. Its backbone bristled with a dozen gleaming white horns, and wicked-looking tusks hung menacingly from its vise-like jaws. The claws on its short, muscular fore and hind legs were long and needle sharp.
A party of brave lumberjacks led by Shepard actually captured the monster in a cave by putting him to sleep with a chloroform-soaked sponge tied to the end of a 30 foot bamboo pole. You can still see the pit at Shepard's house in the pines where the beast was kept when it wasn't prowling the countryside at night devouring white bulldogs--a Hodag Delicacy.
Now all this may seem a bit far-fetched, and the truth of the matter is that Shepard himself was later forced to admit that the Hodag was something of a hoax. Its hairy body was made of wood and ox hides. Its armor of horns once belonged to various bulls. Those vicious claws were bent steel rods.
But to Rhinelander, the Hodag is much more than a hoax. It has become a local legend. It is the symbol of the city, "The Home of the Hodag." It has been stamped permanently in the city's personality. Rhinelander's biggest recreation area on Boom Lake is Hodag Park. Business places have adopted the name. School athletic teams call themselves the "Hodags." For a more complete history of the Hodag, see the book excerpt from Long Live the Hodag! The Life and Legacy of Eugene Simeon Shepard: 1854-1923 by Kurt D Kortenhof
When I was young, somehow my whole family acquired green t-shirts with "Hodag" on them, and a picture of the beast. We had no idea what on earth a Hodag was. We were still Chicagoans at the time... can I mention that here?
The picture on the shirt looked almost like an alligator body, but with bigger claws and spikes down the back. The face had a pig-like nose, menacing eyes and large horns. It almost reminds me of a Chinese dragon with a shorter body.
Roadside America has a nice photo of a Hodag statue. Wouldn't want to meet that thing in the dark woods!
Ten years ago, back in 1996 I wrote my master's thesis at UW-Eau Claire about Gene Shepard, Rhinelander, WI and the Hodag. The same year I published it as a book. It is currently out of print, but I am going to be releasing a revised and updated version in Feb. 2006! Along with the new version I am developing a web site for my publishing company hodag press. In addition to LONG LIVE THE HODAG! my company has published three other books focusing on northern Wisconsin history. The website is up and running but it will soon be greatly expanded to provide the ability to order books online, review books, share hodag sights (or just perhaps stories about the Hodag and Rhinelander). Check it out at www.hodagpress.com!
For a more complete history of the Hodag, see the book excerpt from Long Live the Hodag! The Life and Legacy of Eugene Simeon Shepard: 1854-1923 by Kurt D Kortenhof
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Ten years ago, back in 1996 I wrote my master's thesis at UW-Eau Claire about Gene Shepard, Rhinelander, WI and the Hodag. The same year I published it as a book. It is currently out of print, but I am going to be releasing a revised and updated version in Feb. 2006! Along with the new version I am developing a web site for my publishing company hodag press. In addition to LONG LIVE THE HODAG! my company has published three other books focusing on northern Wisconsin history. The website is up and running but it will soon be greatly expanded to provide the ability to order books online, review books, share hodag sights (or just perhaps stories about the Hodag and Rhinelander). Check it out at www.hodagpress.com!
Regards, Kurt Kortenhof
Kurt,
It is a nice feeling to have the author of the post reply against the thread.
Thanks much for the added author insight. Its a small world.
RedRaven
I FINALLY finished the second edition of the LONG LIVE THE HODAG book and updated my company web site to allow people to share hodag-related stories (in case anyone has been recently chased by a Hodag - and wants to share!), and purchase and/or review the book. I have also posted a short Hodag overview I wrote a couple of years back that has since found its way on to other web sites.
If you are interested in Shepard and the Hodag - please take a peak at the site, I would LOVE to have some reader reviews posted or some stories shared!
www.hodagpress.com
Finally, for anyone living near Rhinelander - I will be giving a multi-media talk about the new book at the District Library on Monday May 15th beginning at 6:30 PM. The talk will include a slide show and music and at least two jokes (one of which might even be funny)!
I once worked for an asphalt restoration company. While completing a contract i Rhinelander, I was lucky enough to see that Hodag, so I can give eye witness testimony. I was early in the morning, and I thought I smelled something that reminded me of a dead skunk, laying next to a pig sty. I looked up, and saw a vicious beast staring me down from atop the tavern I just walked (staggered) out of.
As I thought it might stir up too much controversy, I did'nt report it to the police.
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