Alma and Jake Swanson: Life as a Family in Pennsylvania’s Lumber Camps

Families in the Lumber Camps

Life in Pennsylvania’s lumber camps was rugged and demanding, yet for some, it was also a family affair. Families like Alma and Jake Swanson’s not only worked in the camps but lived and thrived there, carving out a unique existence in the midst of Penn’s Woods. Their story provides a rare glimpse into the lives of women, children, and families who helped sustain the camps during the early 20th century.

Alma Swanson: The Camp Cook and Helper

Alma Swanson’s role in the lumber camps began as a cook’s helper, or “cookee,” in Potter County. Married to Jake Swanson, a jobber who worked near Hulls, Alma helped ensure the camp kitchen ran smoothly while raising her children in this remote environment. A 1902 photograph captures Alma working alongside another camp cook, surrounded by the tools of their trade: a neatly arranged kitchen, stacks of bread, and piles of dishes waiting to be cleaned.

The kitchen, plastered with sheets of newspaper for insulation, was the heart of the camp. Alma’s workspace was a testament to her dedication and organization. She balanced her duties as a cook’s assistant with the care of her two children, Mary and Leon, who can be seen in the photo—proof that even the youngest members of the family were part of camp life.

Jake Swanson’s Camp: A Glimpse into the Community

Photographer William T. Clarke, known for documenting Pennsylvania’s lumber industry, captured life at Jake Swanson’s camp in vivid detail. The photograph shows the camp’s scale, with men, horses, and freshly cut logs set against the backdrop of a clear-cut landscape. Women, including Alma, are visible in the background, standing near the midsized buildings that served as their home and workplace.

The camp was more than a workplace—it was a community. Animals like pigs, raised for food, and the railroad tracks used to transport lumber are prominent in the scene. These elements reflect the self-sustaining nature of the camp, where every resource was used to support its operations.

Balancing Work and Family

For Alma and Jake Swanson, life in the camp meant balancing the demands of work with raising a family. Another photograph taken a few years later shows the Swanson family alongside lumberman James Reed, standing amidst logs cut for transport. This image, likely taken near Cross Forks, Potter County, illustrates how the family continued to grow and adapt to life in the lumber industry.

Despite the challenging conditions, the Swansons ensured their children received some formal education. A 1906 photograph of the East Fork School includes three of the Swanson children—Leon, Norman, and Mary. The barren, denuded landscape surrounding the schoolhouse is a stark reminder of the environmental toll of logging, but it also highlights the importance of education for families living in the camps.

Alma’s Legacy

Alma Swanson’s life in the lumber camps was tragically cut short when she passed away in 1911 at the age of 36. However, her contributions to the camp and her family’s story live on through photographs and records. These snapshots of camp life show a woman who balanced the demands of her work with the responsibilities of raising children in a challenging environment.

Alma’s story also sheds light on the broader experience of women in lumber camps. Often seen as secondary to the men’s labor, women like Alma were vital to the success of these operations. Their roles as cooks, caregivers, and community builders were essential in creating a functioning and cohesive camp environment.

The Human Side of Lumber Camp Life

The story of Alma and Jake Swanson reminds us that Pennsylvania’s lumber camps were more than just centers of industry—they were communities shaped by the people who lived and worked there. Women like Alma played a critical role in maintaining the daily rhythm of camp life, ensuring that workers were fed, families were cared for, and children had opportunities for education, even in the face of environmental and social challenges.

Preserving Their Stories

The photographs and records of the Swanson family offer a valuable glimpse into the lives of those who lived in Pennsylvania’s lumber camps. By preserving and sharing these stories, we honor the resilience and resourcefulness of families like the Swansons who contributed to the success of the lumber industry while building a life in the heart of the forest.