As we were driving out of Grand Rapids we saw a sign for the Forest History Center/MN Historical Society.
The museum had exhibits, videos and even logging machines of the most modern tree cutting, branch stripping and log sizing (cutting) equipment in use today . . . all done in a few seconds - log cutter/stripper above - computerized truck cab below):
The museum was mostly a history of logging. 100+ years ago, when logs were floated down rivers, logging companies hammered their 'brands' into the wood for identification at the end of the float at the mill.
We followed a guide on a short hike through the woods down to the river to a complete logging camp from the early 1900's. Actors in dress with attitudes and accents, reenacted history. The camp store keeper said no alcohol was allowed in camp but tobacco was sold by the large jar. We were treated like new recruits and told heavy wool socks would be what we mostly purchased with our $20/monthly pay.
The logging camp operates from Dec - April. We would sleep two to a narrow bunk - 70 men total in this building. The bull cook stays awake all night to tend a fire for warmth and wake up everyone at 4 am. It could be 20 degrees below outside.
No one bathes from Dec to April - whew. For entertainment the men have been known to pick body lice and have insect races with them. Long underwear isn't changed and chest hairs often have to be clipped out of the fabric by April.
The head cook in the cook house told us camps were only as successful as the cook was good. He described his 'linen lifter' recipes - his bean dishes, etc.
The man who sharpens the wood saws is considered more "professional". He makes an additional $5 a month.
The draft horses are rented from local farmers. They pull huge sleighs piled high with logs over the snow and ice to the river. Wheels over dirt would never do with all the weight, so this logging is done in the winter and the logs are floated with the spring thaw.
The blacksmith melted some iron - he bent and formed it. He showed us horse shoes with snow studs that he makes and maintains.
As we hiked out of the woods away from the logging camp we were able to go through a one room cabin (1934) built for forest rangers. Because the logging industry left so much debris behind, rangers and fire lookouts were now needed.
Four baby robins we found under a little roof that protects a wooden park sign.
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