RECENT FINDINGS: LOGGING CAMP IN THE WOODS

 RECENT FINDINGS: LOGGING CAMP IN THE WOODS

As per my customary behavior, I will not divulge the location as to where the camp is located. Having been to this site a number of times, it is becoming clear that this was once a headquarters-type camp. This was established at the time when the camps were mostly rail-borne (pre-1920s), with the kitchen and various other functions remaining in converted boxcars. This does not mean structures were not placed at or near the camp area. On the contrary, most contemporary images and historical research indicates that tent-based housing could be set up anywhere in the vicinity of the main camp. When it comes to a place to call home, the need for some distance and seclusion from others seems to be a genetic desire of the human species. 

Such a rail borne camp (as I would call it) would require several temporary spurs and sidings along the mainline, so that the camp cars can be placed and after the timber is cut, readily moved to another site. A headquarters camp differs, in that the functions usually remained in place until the entire line is logged out. This included spurs to place the cars; the camp remains stationary until the line was shut down. 

This site is located near the main line, with a spur next to the main track. Oddly enough, the main camp site is located several hundred feet from the spur. 

On a recent visit, I found a number of artifacts that had been placed in a central location, meaning someone had probably been metal detecting, and after "oohing and ahhing" over their finds, left them at or near where they had been resting for the last hundred or so years. At least they were left in the general vicinity and not squirreled away in someone's garage. They remain and will continue to help tell the story of this interesting site. As a personal note, I have nothing against metal detecting, owning one myself. Just follow the rules and enjoy the great outdoors. And please leave it where you find it...  

This is a flange plate, once connected to a larger cast iron piece. On close inspection, it does not appear to be a from a water line pipe. Instead, due to its construction and the number of holes for bolts, it appears to be from a geared locomotive. 

A number of artifacts indicate something was going on at this site. The image on the left show's parts of brake rigging, chain links (common in logging camps), and several other odd items. The right image is a thick plate and old spoon, common in camp dining rooms. Logging camp cooks and kitchens were an important part of the operation. Good food fueled good results; happy loggers cut more trees. Dining facilities were often provided with quality plates and dinner ware. At this site has been found simple tin stamped spoons with ornate handles, and the heavier better-quality spoons seen in the picture. 

The artifacts in this image are from freight cars: a broken link used for couplers; a piece that could be a door catch or slide; a possible pipe clamp, and additional parts.

A severely broken section of rail, showing extreme wear and metal fatigue. This is a hundred feet from the spur. A spike was also found nearby. How did these items get so far away from the main line?

The following images are from the Shay locomotive on display at the Williams Depot complex:

Note the various clamps, and rod assemblies. 

A hose clamp on the shay. These pictures can give some idea as to where the artifacts may have come from. Some of them are related to freight cars common to that era.

 

Some initial conclusions can be drawn from the artifacts. The camp cars were placed at the location where the artifacts were found. In order to do so, temporary tracks were laid, and could have been pulled up, then re-laid when the cars were removed after logging was completed. The loggers did not use ballasting on the track, unless absolutely necessary, as everything was considered temporary. This would explain why no soil disturbance exists in the area.

Judging by the artifacts, there was a servicing area and shop site for the repair of equipment, and to maintain the woods engine. This also indicates that the woods engine remained at the camp, when not otherwise busy. The kitchen car and dining area was located nearby.

All of this stresses the importance of leaving artifacts in the area where they are found. Without them none of this could be interpreted today.