Idessa Roupp: A Trailblazer in Pennsylvania’s Lumber Camps

Women in the Lumber Industry

The turn of the 20th century brought significant changes to Pennsylvania’s lumber industry. Advancements in technology and transportation expanded access to remote forests, while the growing demand for wood fueled the rise of related industries. Despite these shifts, women continued to play vital roles in the camps, often as cooks or “cookees.” Among these remarkable women was Idessa Roupp, whose story of determination and resilience stands out as an inspiring chapter in the history of Pennsylvania’s Lumber Heritage Region.

A Family Affair in the Camps

Born in 1884, Idessa Roupp grew up in Beech Grove, Cogan House Township, Lycoming County, in a family deeply involved in the lumber industry. Around 1903, her brothers, John and Grant Roupp, built a camp on the Flooks Run timber lands for a bark peeling operation. Idessa and her sister, Viola, took on the demanding role of camp cooks, aided by Laura Weaver and occasionally their mother, Harriet Eva Roupp, during particularly busy times.

Cooking in a lumber camp was no small task. Meals had to be prepared for large crews, often with limited supplies and under challenging conditions. The Roupp sisters used firewood to heat their stove and water for cooking, cleaning, and washing. Their responsibilities extended beyond the kitchen, as they created a sense of home in an otherwise harsh and isolated environment.

Breaking Barriers: Idessa’s Story

Idessa’s determination to support her family and ensure the camp’s success was evident in her actions. In one memorable instance, a teamster fell ill during the winter, leaving his team of horses idle at a critical time when logs needed to be moved. Idessa, unwilling to let this setback disrupt operations, took matters into her own hands. Against the protests of the camp’s men, she hitched up the horses and worked as a teamster for two days, driving logs down the slide until the teamster recovered.

This bold move demonstrated Idessa’s strength and resourcefulness, as well as the respect she earned from her brothers and the other men in the camp. It was a rare and powerful example of a woman stepping into a traditionally male-dominated role in the lumber industry.

Life Beyond the Camps

Idessa’s time in the camps left a lasting impression, not only on those who worked with her but also on her family. She married Nathan Edwin French in 1908, and the couple had three children. Idessa’s granddaughter, Bonnie Staughton, recalled her grandmother’s love for horses and her time at the camps, sharing the story of Idessa’s role as a teamster—a testament to her versatility and capability.

The Roupp family’s logging operation at Flooks Run was part of a broader trend of family-run camps during this era. These operations often relied on the collective efforts of siblings, parents, and extended family members to ensure success. For the Roupps, their shared dedication helped them navigate the challenges of life in the lumber camps and achieve their goals.

The Legacy of Idessa Roupp

Idessa’s story highlights the critical role women played in the lumber industry, even when societal norms dictated otherwise. Her willingness to step outside traditional roles and take on physically demanding tasks reflects the resilience and determination of the women who helped sustain Pennsylvania’s lumber camps.

The photograph of two young women sitting on a pile of firewood, believed to be Idessa and Viola, captures a moment of their daily life. Behind them, piles of Hemlock bark and the camp buildings speak to the hard work and resourcefulness required to maintain the camp. These images and stories provide valuable insights into the lives of women who balanced domestic responsibilities with the demands of the lumber industry.

Honoring Their Contributions

The contributions of women like Idessa Roupp are an integral part of the Lumber Heritage Region’s history. Their resilience, creativity, and ability to adapt to challenging conditions were vital to the success of the camps. By sharing these stories, we ensure that their efforts are recognized and remembered as an essential part of the region’s legacy.

Lessons from Idessa’s Story

Idessa’s time in the lumber camps demonstrates the strength and versatility of women in an era when their contributions were often overlooked. Her ability to step into a traditionally male role and her dedication to her family’s success are reminders of the importance of resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

The legacy of women like Idessa Roupp continues to inspire us today. Their stories remind us of the countless individuals whose hard work and determination shaped the history of Pennsylvania’s forests and communities.