An Introduction

MN A HISTORY OF THE LAND MAPS

FALL

WINTER

SPRING

What is this and how might it help making logging easier in the winter?

Rut Cutter

What is this and how might it help making logging easier in the winter?

Water Wagon

What is this and how might it help on a log drive?

Each company stamped their logs with their registered marks.

What is this and how might it help on a log drive?

Wanigan

AT THE CUT & ON THE DRIVE

SWAMPER

SAWYERS

A “SAWYER” crew cuts felled trees into log lengths in preparation for skidding.

RIVER RAT

SKIDDER

A “SWAMPER” removed branches from felled trees in preparation for the sawyers. A “SKIDDING” crew drives the ox or horses that moved the sawed logs from the cut to the river bank or railroad spur.

A “RIVER RAT” guides logs down rivers during the Spring log drives. This is a very dangerous job that requires highly skilled river rats!

JOBS IN THE CAMP

COOKIE

BARN BOSS

TIMBER CRUISER A “COOKIE” is a camp cook’s assistant.

One or two cooks assistants usually assisted the head cook. Working 16 or 17 hours a day, skilled camp cooks were very important in any lumber camp!

JOBS IN THE CAMP

COOKIE

BARN BOSS

TIMBER CRUISER

The “BARN BOSS” took care of the horses and the barn.

JOBS IN THE CAMP

COOKIE

BARN BOSS

TIMBER CRUISERA “TIMBER CRUISER” located valuable timber and estimated the amount of timber gained and profits for the Lumber Baron.

JOBS IN THE CAMP

PENCIL PUSHER A “PENCIL PUSHER” is a camp clerk.

Thomas Walker William LairdFrederick Weyerhaeuser