HIDDEN HISTORICAL SITES IN THE WOODS: CAMPSITE NORTH OF KENDRICK PEAK

 HIDDEN HISTORICAL SITES IN THE WOODS: CAMPSITE NORTH OF KENDRICK PEAK

When traveling the side roads on the forest, I keep an eye open for signs of human occupation or activity. The smallest detail, a slight irregularity in the terra-ferma can lead to a fascinating discovery. This area caught my interest, having seen the imprint of what was once a side road, leading into the forest. Join me on this side trip, and how I came about my summary of this site.

                                                    





Several of these metal objects were in the area. They were placed inside low stone walls. These were identified as tent stoves, and the surrounding rock walls once protected the bottom of the tents. The next question would be; what era did they represent? These appear to be of more recent design, possibly 1950-60s. These tents were by nature temporary structures. It was odd that they were crushed, indicating this was not a hunter's camp, but possibly a construction or logging camp that lasted a season until the work was completed. The location (which shall remain unspoken) is remote, and whatever activity required the workers to remain on-site for periods of time. 


A steel barrel with several items, including a gasoline or kerosene can, 
and various other metal objects. 

A trash dump. On close inspection, this site included cans from various time periods, some dating prior to 1920, others more modern (1950-1960s.) This site was probably well-known for camping, and subsequent activity took place resulting in multi-layers of artifacts. 

This image shows what appears to be an old access road. At one time, 
this provided access to the camp area and the nearby woods. Having found all of these items, I began to walk a circular search pattern that included the nearby watershed and the forest road.

Interspersed over five acres were various artifacts, indicating logging activity. The logging cables appeared to have remnants of paint, and a newer clamp, indicating this was more recent. 


The cables were of various sizes, and left at different time periods

More cables, with additional clamps. Older cables were often looped and knotted only with cable, without clamps, which took a great deal of effort.  


At the site was the remains of several long squarecut posts.


                                                    
Although aged in appearance, the wood was shaped with more modern methods. It is possible that at one time this was used as a center pole on a large tent. 

What conclusions can be drawn from this site? It was likely used as a logging camp, possibly originating as a wood cutters camp for the Saginaw. Over time, it was reused again for the same purpose, and later became a camp area for public use.  Not necessarily a significant find, but an interesting site. For now, this will remain hidden in the forest, resting as time progresses. 






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