...Michigan Logging and Lumber History and Heritage...RR Springvale Charlevoix MI c.1907 COBBS & MITCHELL CO. COMPANY TRAIN TRACKS at the STORE and Company Water Tower....a Railroad Office BOYNE FALLS & NORTHEASTERN & COBBS & MITCHELL RAILROAD DEPOT & USPS Office. Some of the lumber was most likely taken in this region was to Clarion and Boyne City to the North or Jennings or Cadillac to the South. Some possibly taken by logging railroad and much taken on GR & I (Grand Rapids & Indiana RR), especially from Springvale, to various Cadillac COBBS & MITCHELL Mills.

COBBS & MITCHELL CO. COMPANY STORE in Charlevoix's Chandler Township. Logging & Resort Era in Charlevoix, Emmet and Antrim Counties. Most of this series on cards came from and were tagged as SPRINGVALE and CLARION, both Charlevoix County GHOST TOWN'S!!! The last image of the front of the Company Store and Logging Company and Railroad Line DEPOT supplied for reference purposes only! 

 ...Michigan Logging and Lumber History and Heritage...

Some of the lumber was most likely taken in this region was to Claiion and Boyne City to the North or Jennings or Cadillac to the South. Some possibly taken by logging railroad and much taken on GR & I (Grand Rapids & Indiana RR), especially from Springvale, to various Cadillac COBBS & MITCHELL Mills.
 

...What a great set of Michigan Logging Heritage Antique Postcards!...

NW RPPC Northwestern Michigan Logging, Lumber, Land Clearing, Road building…all related trades and industries in the late 1800s and early 1900s in Manistee, Benzie, Leelanau, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Missaukee, Antrim, Charlevoix, and Emmet Counties!

Legacy of Logging: Northwestern Michigan's logging and lumbering industry played a pivotal role in shaping the region's landscape, economy, and culture. For over a century, the towering white pines that once blanketed the area were transformed into lumber, fueling the nation's growth and prosperity.

More than the stereotypical LUMBERJACKS, here are the names of some of the Crew position in the industry!

FALLERS - FELLERS, BUCKERS, CHOKE SETTERS, SKIDDERS, SWAMPERS, LOG SCALERS, SAWERS, RIGGERS, MILLWRIGHTS, COOKS, BUNKHOUSE FORMAN, LOAD OPERATOR, BLACKSMITH, ANIMAL TEAMSTER, LOG DRIVERS, RIVER HOGS, RAILROAD ENGINEER, FIREMAN, BRAKEMAN, CONDUCTORS, SECTION HANDS, BUNK CAR ATTENDANTS, AND MANY MORE!

Early Logging Practices: The early days of logging in Northwestern Michigan were characterized by small-scale operations, relying on hand tools and animal power. Loggers would venture into the vast forests, felling trees with axes and hauling them to rivers or lakeshores during the winter months when the ground was frozen. Once the spring thaw arrived, the logs would be floated downstream to sawmills, where they were processed into lumber.

The Rise of Industrial Lumbering: By the mid-19th century, industrialization revolutionized the logging industry. Railroads extended into the region, providing an efficient means of transporting logs to sawmills. Steam-powered machinery, such as circular saws and band saws, increased lumber production dramatically. This transformation led to the establishment of large lumbering companies that dominated the industry.

The Pine Era: The white pine, with its straight grain and lack of knots, was the most sought-after tree species in Northwestern Michigan. The demand for this valuable timber drove the industry's growth, leading to a period known as the Pine Era, which lasted from the 1860s to the early 1900s. During this time, millions of white pines were harvested, providing lumber for homes, factories, and other construction projects across the country.

The Impact of Logging: The logging industry had a profound impact on Northwestern Michigan. It brought jobs and economic growth to the region, leading to the establishment of towns and cities. Unfortunately, the clear-cutting of vast tracts of forest land led to soil erosion, and a decline in wildlife populations.

The Decline of the Logging Industry: By the early 20th century, the white pine forests of Northwestern Michigan were largely depleted. As the supply of timber dwindled, the logging industry began to decline. The introduction of new construction materials, such as steel and concrete, further eroded the demand for lumber.