Bertha Whitton: Life in the Lumber Camps of Forest County

A Glimpse into Lumber Camp Life

Nestled in the heart of Pennsylvania’s Lumber Heritage Region, Forest County is home to rich stories of resilience, hard work, and community. One of these stories centers on Bertha Whitton, a young woman whose life was shaped by the bustling activity of the lumber camps in Nebraska, a now-vanished town along the Tionesta Creek.

Nebraska, founded in 1827, was once a thriving hub of the T. D. Collins Lumber Company. By the mid-20th century, the town had disappeared, its mills dismantled and replaced by the Tionesta Dam. Yet, memories of life there live on through individuals like Bertha, whose experiences provide a vivid picture of what it was like to live and work in a lumber camp.

Bertha’s Early Days in the Camps

Bertha began working as a cook in the lumber camps when she was just 16 years old, around 1900. Lumber camps were rough, often isolated communities where hardworking men relied on camp cooks to provide hearty meals that fueled long days of labor. For Bertha, this role marked the start of a new chapter in her life, one that would intertwine with the history of Forest County’s lumber industry.

At 18, Bertha married Amos Whitton, a lumberman who was twice her age. The two met while she was working in the camp kitchens, a common story among lumber families. Amos, known for his good humor, often joked with their children and grandchildren that he married Bertha because of her cooking skills—a sentiment shared by many men who met their wives while working in the woods.

A Woman’s Role in the Lumber Industry

Bertha’s story highlights the often-overlooked contributions of women in the lumber industry. While the men worked in the forests and mills, women like Bertha played essential roles in keeping the camps running smoothly. As cooks, laundresses, and caregivers, they provided the backbone of support that allowed the industry to thrive.

Cooking in a lumber camp was no small feat. It required feeding dozens of hungry workers with limited resources and under challenging conditions. Meals had to be plentiful, nutritious, and ready on time, a task that demanded both physical endurance and skill. For young women like Bertha, this work was both a livelihood and a testament to their strength and resilience.

Life After the Lumber Camps

After their time in the camps, Bertha and Amos built a life together in Forest County. They raised a family, passing down stories of the camp days to their children and grandchildren. Bertha’s granddaughter, Lois Lackey, shared fond memories of her grandparents, keeping their legacy alive for future generations.

Although the town of Nebraska no longer exists, the stories of its residents remain a vital part of Forest County’s history. The experiences of people like Bertha remind us of the human side of the lumber industry—of the families, friendships, and communities built amidst the hard work and challenges of camp life.

Remembering the Past

The town of Nebraska and its lumber camps may be long gone, but their impact on the region is undeniable. They shaped not only the physical landscape of Forest County but also the cultural and social fabric of the community. By preserving the stories of individuals like Bertha Whitton, we honor the contributions of the many people—men and women alike—who played a role in the region’s lumber heritage.

A Legacy of Strength and Community

Bertha’s story is a reminder of the resilience and determination that defined life in the lumber camps. Her experiences illustrate the vital roles women played in an industry often focused solely on the men who worked in the woods. By telling her story, we ensure that the contributions of women in the Lumber Heritage Region are not forgotten.

The story of Bertha Whitton is one of hard work, family, and perseverance. It reflects the broader history of the Lumber Heritage Region, where every individual’s effort contributed to a thriving industry and a close-knit community. These stories continue to inspire us, reminding us of the strength it takes to build a life—and a legacy—in the heart of Pennsylvania’s forests.