Cutting large trees is difficult and dangerous work....the trees do not always fall how was planned.
Nobody chops down a whole big tree wih an axe anymore. Last time that was done was in 1955. For $45, you can go to Wal-Mart and buy a little electric chainsaw that works very good.
My guess...it was Big Olaf from the sailing association....they said...'Hey Olaf...we need to replace this sailboat mast....go find a tall skinny tree to use as a mast'...and Olaf headed on up the hill.....

.