Anna Haberger Eckert: A Life of Resilience in Pennsylvania’s Lumber Camps

A Woman’s Place in the Camps

The early 20th century was a time of intense activity in Pennsylvania’s lumber camps, where the work was grueling and the environment often isolating. Among those who made these camps thrive were women like Anna Haberger Eckert, whose contributions as a cook and caretaker brought stability and sustenance to the men working in the woods. Anna’s story, shared through an oral history with historian Thomas Taber, provides a rare glimpse into the life of a woman navigating the challenges of camp life during this era.

Starting Young in the Lumber Camps

Anna began working in lumber camps when she was just 14 or 15 years old. Her first job was at Joe Erich’s camp near Beechwood, Cameron County, where her father also worked. Likely starting as a “cookee,” or cook’s assistant, Anna gained the experience and skills that would define her role in the camps.

After marrying Henry Eckert, a teamster at another camp, Anna took on greater responsibilities. The couple settled at Weisner’s camp near St. Mary’s in Elk County, where Anna managed the kitchen for crews ranging from 30 men in the summer to as many as 50 in the winter. Her role required long hours and tireless effort, beginning before dawn and often extending into the night.

The Demands of Camp Life

Cooking for a lumber camp was no small task. Anna’s day started at 5 a.m. to prepare breakfast by 5:30, allowing the men to begin work by 6. She and her assistant, referred to as “the girl,” tackled a wide array of tasks, from cooking meals to clearing tables and preparing the next day’s supplies. Anna was paid $18 a week, out of which she paid her assistant $5—a rate that she proudly noted was higher than most.

The meals Anna prepared were hearty and abundant, reflecting the high caloric needs of the loggers. Breakfast might include pancakes, oatmeal, and fried potatoes, while dinner featured roasts, soups, and an assortment of pies and cakes. During the summer, fresh vegetables and wild berries added variety to the menu. In the winter, dried fruits and salted meats became staples.

Anna managed her supplies meticulously, placing weekly orders and ensuring the kitchen remained stocked with essentials like flour, lard, and canned goods. Her skill in planning and resource management was critical to keeping the camp running smoothly.

Balancing Family and Work

In addition to her work as a cook, Anna was a mother raising several children in the camp. This dual role added another layer of complexity to her already demanding schedule. Anna’s assistant helped care for the children, allowing her to focus on her responsibilities in the kitchen. Despite the challenges, Anna’s dedication to her family and the men she served never wavered.

The camp itself offered little in terms of modern conveniences. Cooking was done on a massive wood-fired stove, which also provided hot water for washing dishes and laundry. Fresh water had to be fetched and heated, adding to the physical toll of the job. Yet, Anna took pride in her work, ensuring the men were well-fed and the kitchen well-organized.

The Legacy of Lumber Camp Cooks

Anna’s story highlights the resilience and resourcefulness of the women who worked in Pennsylvania’s lumber camps. These women were more than cooks—they were the backbone of camp life, creating a sense of home in remote and often harsh conditions. Their contributions ensured that the workforce remained nourished and motivated, a critical factor in the success of the logging industry.

The lumber camps, though primitive by today’s standards, provided consistent meals and shelter, making them a preferable option to other industries of the time, such as coal mining or steelworking. Workers in the camps benefited from fresh air and hearty meals, a testament to the efforts of cooks like Anna.

Remembering Anna’s Contribution

The dedication of women like Anna Haberger Eckert often goes unrecognized in the larger narrative of Pennsylvania’s lumber history. Yet, their contributions were indispensable. Anna’s ability to balance the demands of camp life with her role as a mother reflects the strength and determination of these unsung heroes.

Her oral history offers a valuable window into a world that was both challenging and rewarding, highlighting the importance of women’s work in sustaining the lumber industry. Anna’s story reminds us of the resilience required to thrive in such an environment and the vital role women played in building and maintaining these communities.

Lessons from the Past

The story of Anna Haberger Eckert is one of perseverance and pride. Her work in the lumber camps of Pennsylvania exemplifies the strength and ingenuity required to meet the demands of a unique and often overlooked industry. By remembering her contributions, we honor the legacy of all the women who worked behind the scenes to support the success of the lumber industry.