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Stratford centennial
(1891-1991)
At work in the woods, pp. 37-46
Page 38
Getting the logs from the woods to the railroad line was accomplished by build- ing ice roads. Oxen were used to skid and clear the path. The water tank sleigh would follow, spreading water to lay a 'road" by building a layer of ice over a foot thick to carry the heavy loads of logs. A "rutter" was used to cut a deep groove in the ice to hold the logging sleigh run- ners. These ruts had to be kept clear of snow and ice build up as well as sticks and ~manure. A water tank sleigh. Ice roads were needed to keep loaded lumber sleighs moving. (L-R) Otto Schultz, Otto Sievert and Mike Baltus. (Note stove to keep water from freezing) Photo provided by Connor family. Camp Meals Tony Schuster, a Stratford store clerk recalled early days in Stratford when oxen freely roamed the muddy streets during late winter. It was his job to bring meat to the camps from the company store. But, during one week of muddy roads, the meat supplies never arrived. In despera- tion he seized and carved up a roaming ox and took it to camp without mentioning the origin of the meat. IAt breakfast there were pork chops, Ssteaks, pies, cakes, doughnuts, sausage, bacon, cereal, flapjacks with syrup, and big molasses cookies. Except for cereal or pancakes, dinner provided more of the same, with "kraut, baked beans, rutaba- gas, and cheeses. Raisin pie was a favor- ite. "No talking" was the universal lumber camp rule. The men ate silently, except to ask for a passing plate. The cooks wanted them out of the way and the companies wanted them on the job. They ate even faster when the lunch sleighs, called swing-dingles, took blanketed hot food to I the woods. In camp, tin plates and mugs were &+ .always placed upside down on the tables. Courtesy of The Connor Family
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