New England sawmillers in Scotland - group photographs
The images are courtesy of Rene Knott and Kyle of Sutherland Historical Society. However the writer is uncertain of how the photographs known as the Culeve (Location in Strathcarron) collection were formed and who initially collected them. A similar collection is in the care of the Jenks Library in Acton Massachusetts gifted by Webster Blanchard who was the foreman of New England Mill No 3 team. It is assumed that one of the American’s or more had cameras, took a selection of photographs which were passed to various team members. A local Scottish photographer or press reporter should perhaps not be ruled out as there would have been a ready market for photographs among the New England teams. Any further information on the photographs would be very welcome.
A close examination of the images indicates that they were taken in a variety of sawmill locations, some certainly in Strathcarron (seven sawmill locations) but possibly also some in Swordale area of Skibo Estate (three sawmill locations). Some of the groups of men will be from one sawmill team but in other images members from several teams could be present particularly outside recreation of YMCA huts.
This great image of men outside the YMCA hut is very clear and most are in non work clothing and probably relaxing on their day off work. No names are known but some faces are recognisable from other photographs. The man standing in the doorway on the right looks like Leo Bosse a timber swamper from sawmill unit No 3 named in the Acton photographs. The two men in the middle front with lace up boots have been seen in the Acton photographs, the one on the right is probably Webster Blanchard the foreman of No 3 unit. Other faces from No 3 unit also recognisable.
The PDF contains another two group images of men in work clothing and look as though they have been called together just for the image. Some great character profiles. Note the variety of head ware and boots some heavily steel studded and high lace up.
Any comments welcome.
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Groups: American sawmillers in Scotland 1917, Groups of people, Tools, equipment and clothing