Funding
- Lumber Heritage Region: $392.38
- Total Project Cost: $784.75
Type of Project
Republishing of the 1922 James Mitchell book on logging and rafting, with added historical photos, to make it affordable and accessible, promoting the local history of Clearfield County.
Project Details
The Lumbering and Rafting Book project undertaken by the Clearfield County Historical Society (CCHS) involved republishing the 1922 book by James Mitchell, which provides a comprehensive historical and narrative account of the logging and rafting industry in Clearfield County during the late 19th century. This initiative aimed to preserve and disseminate the rich history of the region’s lumber industry, making it accessible to modern readers.
The original Mitchell book is a 94-page compilation of factual details and captivating stories, authored by a logger and rafter who experienced the industry firsthand. The book’s engaging writing style and clear recollections make it an invaluable resource for understanding the local history of logging and rafting. Recognizing the book’s historical significance and the need to make it more affordable and accessible, the CCHS decided to republish it.
One of the primary challenges addressed by this project was the outdated nature and high cost of existing historical publications on logging and rafting in the region. While there were other comprehensive accounts available, such as Dudley Tonkin’s 1958 “My Partner, The River,” these works were often perceived as overly detailed and expensive for the average reader. The Mitchell book, with its concise and engaging narrative, provided a more approachable alternative.
The republishing process involved updating the book’s format and adding a dozen original logging and rafting photos from the CCHS collection to enhance the visual appeal and historical context. The new edition was priced at $14.00, making it significantly more affordable than other historical publications. This price point aimed to encourage broader readership and interest in the region’s history.
The CCHS also used this project as an opportunity to engage younger generations in historical preservation. By making the book accessible and promoting it through various channels, the society hoped to inspire a new wave of interest in local history and encourage younger individuals to get involved with the CCHS.
The republished book received positive reception, with numerous copies sold at outdoor front porch sales and through mail orders, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, which restricted traditional sales events. The project also garnered local media coverage, further promoting the book and the historical society’s efforts.
In conclusion, the Lumbering and Rafting Book project successfully republished a historically significant work, making it accessible to a wider audience and preserving an important part of Clearfield County’s heritage. The Clearfield County Historical Society’s initiative has ensured that the unique logging and rafting era continues to be celebrated and understood by future generations.
