New England sawmillers in Scotland – Teamsters and swampers
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 Americans 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. Locations are within five miles of Ardgay, Ross-shire.
Not exactly certain of the events depicted here but it is possible the heavily laden sledge has stuck on a root or rock or it has arrived at a very steep section where the sledge could run forward and cause injury to the horses. Either way the shaft and whiffletree is or has being unhitched by the teamster in the front. The horses look alert and unworried but certainly the nearest one is sitting on its bottom as would a dog. The other men could be the swampers working on the nearby felled strips and there to assist. One may have a long handled cant hook.
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Groups: American sawmillers in Scotland 1917, Forestry Areas, Forestry in Action, Groups of people, Horses at work in Forests, Tools, equipment and clothing