Re: NNG - steam donkey

Hi,

We are from a multi-generational logging family in California - Your job titles in the last four below saw filer are:1) Hook tender (or Hookman or also now called a choker setter) who places the lines around the fresh cut logs so they can be drug up to a landing by the winch, sky line or in those days, by the steam donkey 2) Edgeman who does the final trimming of the boards as they run through the line - they also inspect and can cull boards that exhibit wane (uneven edges that cannot be cut to fit the desired dimension), 3) laborer, and 4) Off bearer - works the "green chain" who inspects, sorts and pulls off the fresh cut lumber, stacking it in preparation for drying or shipping. Logging in those days and even now with new modern improvements, was hard, dangerous work and those guys were very gutsy...no OSHA to watch their backsides. They had to watch out for themselves and each other.

I was a choker setter. My dad was a cat skinner. My grandfathers and great uncles all worked in the woods, as did Karell's great uncles. Funny thing. I wound up being a Shay engineer - not for hauling logs, but hauling tourists!

Tough times called for tough men.

Phil Reader