Adirondack logging

[HiTech]

From what I read it was a means of getting supplies from Ogdensburg to Albany or vice versa. I think mainly it was a Military Route. Another piece of our history in growing America. I think I found the map in National Geographic when they did an article on it. I am talking 40 years ago. Perhaps you could find something in a Library on it. I know it took me into some uncharted lands as far as I was concerned. There were times I was a little nervous if I would find my way out again. I found a huge iron box somewhere out there. It must have been 8 foot long, 4 foot high and 4 foot wide. It was flat on top for about a foot then hinged and took a downward slant. I did manage to get the top up a little and with the use of my flashlight found it contained compartments of various sizes. It was all riveted together...so I took it it was old. Never had a clue what it was used for. There was nothing inside and I could find no markings on it. I am almost positive I don't have that map anymore, but I am an awful pack rat so I may. If I run across it i will let you know.

[Bret4207]

Rockman and Taper, I'm from North Crick too! Knew Mr Earl Allen and Rev Daisy. Pansy, etc. Went to JCS, I'm sure we all know each others relations. Left there, went to wrenching on saws in Newcomb and Tupper, got a cushy state job ( worked with a Dabala guy) and have been up in the Ogdensburg area for close to 20 years. Getting back to wrenching on saws for a part time living. One brother still lives in NC and works at Gore.

If you ever went to J+Js you probably went to my folks place too, Basil and Wicks or Ridings depending on how long ago it was.

Small world, eh?


As far as the Adirondacks go there used to bee what? 8-10 mills in the North Creek area alone, plus IP and Finch. You couldn't get through down town most days with out almost getting squarshed by a log truck. Newcomb, Tupper, Old Forge, Racquette, Long Lake, Conifer and Piercefield were all booming from logging and mines. Now it's welfare, prisons, a few skiers that would just as soon be in Vermont if they could afford it and welfare. The total mismanagement, or lack of management, is a sin and a crime against the people living there. It drove me out as much as anything else. Remember Cuomo Srs 21st Century Bond Act? When they started talking about the restrictions he wanted, roof color etc, I'd had enough.

Ah, enough whining. Time to go through some wood on the fire.

[rockman]

 Hey Bret, it's like old home week here. Interesting to see how small the world has gotten.

 Kevin

[tractorhal]

A little further North. Grew up in Whiteface area. Haselton Lumber,Ward lumber, JJ Rogers of Ausable Forks was big user of pulp. Both lumber cos. still going but do not know if they saw or truck it and resell. Tupper Lake also had a wood bowl?? co and the wood wood be stacked for 1/2 mile along Rt.3 headed west.Have some pictures of working in woods,all with horse, someday post. Remember when the first trails were cut for Whiteface Mt. ski center. Put Marble Mt. out of business. Plattsburg had paper cos. Tie still does some.

[wilson_tree]

Nice memories.  My brother worked for Sam Haselton for 10 years.  They don't mill any more, but did do some molding for a while.  Ward Lumber is still big.  I think they are one of only two pine mills in all of New York State.  Tupper Lake does not have a mill any more and the Wooden Bowl Co has been closed for a while.  A Vermont mill had a concentrating yard in Tupper, but I don't think that is even open any more.  There is a small mill in Lewis that does pallet stock and some dimensional lumber.  I'm headed there tomorrow.   There are still lots of small mills that are one or two man operations.  Lots of low grade being chipped now and trucked to Burlington, VT, Ticonderoga, and I'm not sure where else.  There are only a few of the little ski areas open now.  Mt Pisgah in Saranac Lake is operated by the town and Big Tupper is operated by volunteers.  My grandfather logged in the Lake Placid, Keene, and Redford areas in the 50's and 60's.  Then my dad and my brothers logged in Keene in the 70's and 80's.  Do you ever come back for a visit?  Joe Pete Wilson

[rockman]

Wilson_tree,  Yes, We travel back every summer for a week or so to the in-laws in Schroon Lake, no matter where I live Essex county will always be Home.

 Kevin

[tractorhal]

I get back to the "North Country" occasionally, not as much as I should, or like to. I know where your(Grandfather, Father's) place is,was in Keene. Gordon's? JD? Who is JD in Plattsburg? During 40's 50',2-3 of my uncles worked for Willard and Charles. One worked his whole career there. Planer. My Grandfather and I cut pine by hand, skidded to landing with horse and Uncle would get truck on weekend, drive to landing through the woods from mill, saw, on his time? We would us for fences, barn repairs.   

[wilson_tree]

Rockman, Schroon Lake is a beautiful place.  We spent a summer in Paradox once when I was a kid.  We used to love going to the Sugar Bowl.  TractorHal, that was my grandfather and uncle Gordon who started the JD dealership.  My dad was younger and worked for them.  My dad was talking about cutting and peeling pulp when he was a kid.  I thought cutting and stacking 4 foot pulp sticks was bad, but at least we didn't have to peel it.  JD in Plattsburgh is Nortrax.  JD forced all the independent owners to sell to big regional congrlomerates so they could control pricing and inventory more effectively.  My dad is selling the last bit of property in Keene that is left over from the old JD days.  I pulled some chainsaws out of one of the barns: a Strunk, a Reed-Prentice Timberhog, and a couple Malls from the early 50's.  The R-P still had a tag on it, but I couldn't read the price.  It would be great to see some pictures from those days in the Adirondacks.  I don't think those guys ever thought of taking pictures of work, though.  Why the heck would you want to remember all those hours of busting your back? 

[Bret4207]

There are people around with photos and film from back int he 40's, 50's, 60's. Finding them is tough though. IIRC the Northern Logger had a mess of that stuff but it might have gone to the Blue Mt museum. Rev Frank Reed "The Lumberjack Sky Pilot" had a big bunch of film he shot. The Watertown PBS station had aVCR they offered at one time of Bill Saifs "Cabin Country" episode that they were giving away with a pledge. Not sure if it's still available.

ETA- Hey! Here it is! http://www.adirondack-books.com/wpbspilots.html

[Dave VH]

awesome history, guys.  I wish that google earth could go back 100 years so we could see what it was like back then.

[AdkStihl]

JJ Rogers
 

  

Ward Lumber