When was the last time you saw something like this? Sixteen guys standing on top of a log big enough to carve out a dwelling and bear den. The title is, "Two Natives of Washington, A Bear Den and Dwelling in a Washington Saw Log." The image, of course, is from our collection of antique postcards, most of which have something to do with railroads ... like this one having the log on a Northern Pacific RR flatcar.
This card evokes different emotions for us. For one thing, almost all the giant first-growth trees in the Pacific Northwest were logged in days when the mentality was that there was so much forest that they would never cut all of it. Sometimes it has been difficult for mankind to look into the future very clearly and consider the implications of their actions for future generations. On the other hand, we are pretty amused at what these loggers turned this particular log into. What's your guess ... is that a real bear in the den? Could this have been one of the first "man-caves"? Was this picture such an occasion that participants were asked to wear a suit, a vest, and a hat? We note the guy in the doorway of the log [and that may be the first time we've ever used those simple words in that order] is casual compared to the others ... maybe that was the way he dressed when he was "at home"?
For those of you who collect postcards, here is the address side ...
Thanks for stopping by John's Island.
Interesting indeed, and you're right: I also have mixed emotions about that beautiful tree cut down and logged. I use wood products so I understand the need for wood, but those old growth trees are simply amazing in their size. On one of our hikes on Baker Lake, we visit some that were spared, and they are absolutely amazing. Thank you for the picture, though. It shows how differently we feel about our world a century later. :-)
ReplyDeleteI am guessing this is an early form of photoshop?
ReplyDeleteI hope the poor bear is not in a cage. But...if I were there I would be pretty thankful for those bars! ;-)
What an interesting picture! Do you think the log might still exist somewhere? The suits were a pretty common apparel back in the day. My mom said my dad never came to pick her up for a date without being dressed in a white shirt, tie and suit. I think the bear is fake. I like the thought of this being the first man cave.
ReplyDeleteoddly unique but yes, mixed emotions all around.
ReplyDeleteOh wow - that's the brontosaurus of trees. Sad to see it cut down though. I wish you a fantastic Monday, sir!
ReplyDeleteWhatever the reason for carving this log,that is one huge tree.Or at least was one huge tree.
ReplyDeleteWow that is some huge tree. What a unique thing to do with it. Cool picture.
ReplyDeleteFirst I want to say John thank you for dropping into my blog and your story. You have not a email I can talk to you so I had to tell you on here.
ReplyDeleteI am so happy that God spared you to be-able to give others here happiness with your blog. Wow very interesting. Do you collect postcards John?
I also have this postcard, and on the back it reads, "A Real Log Cabin." "This log was cut four miles from Aberdeen from a spruce log, 100 feet from the Butt which was 13 feet thick. It is 40 feet long, 9 feet in diameter at one end and eight feet at the other, cut to show at the St. Louis Fair, and is now in Belle Isle Park at Detroit, Mich. There are chairs, settee and table cut inside of log. When sent to St. Louis it housed two black bears and a large cougar. It was made and sent to St. Louis by Thos. Morgan of Aberdeen."
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