Wheeler and Dusenbury Lumber Company: Women in the Woods

A Lumber Legacy in Pennsylvania

The Wheeler and Dusenbury Lumber Company played a pivotal role in shaping Pennsylvania’s Lumber Heritage Region during the early 20th century. With vast holdings of pine, hemlock, and hardwood in Warren and Forest counties, the company’s operations exemplified the industry’s influence on the region. While the story of Wheeler’s Woods often highlights the men who worked the land, photographs and accounts reveal the essential contributions of women in these camps.

Wheeler’s Woods: A Glimpse Into Camp Life

In the 1920s, Wheeler’s Woods became a prominent name in the lumber industry. By then, the company owned between 40,000 and 55,000 acres of forest land, much of which was sold to the federal government in 1922 to become part of the Allegheny National Forest. The remaining lands, known as Wheeler’s Woods, continued to be a hub of logging activity throughout the decade.

A photograph from “Camp 19,” one of Wheeler’s camps, offers a rare glimpse into the daily lives of the workers. Among the group are two women, identified as the camp cooks, standing proudly with the crew. Their clothing and hairstyles, along with the details of the camp, provide historical context that places the image in the early 20th century. These women were critical to the camp’s operations, ensuring the workers were well-fed and cared for during long days in the woods.

Women’s Roles in the Camps

The presence of women in Wheeler’s camps reflects a broader pattern in the lumber industry. While their contributions were often relegated to the background, women played vital roles as cooks, laundresses, and caregivers. Their work went beyond simple domestic tasks—they were the backbone of camp life, creating a sense of stability in a demanding and transient environment.

Cooking for a lumber camp required endurance and skill. Meals were prepared in large quantities, often with limited resources, and served three times a day to dozens of hungry workers. Women like those at Camp 19 managed these challenges with remarkable efficiency, earning the respect and gratitude of the men they served.

Dave Frost’s Camp: Another Chapter of Women’s Contributions

Another significant site within the Lumber Heritage Region was Dave Frost’s camp at Big Run, part of the Central Pennsylvania Lumber Company’s holdings in Elk County. Situated along the Tionesta Valley Railroad, the camp thrived in the 1920s but faced economic decline following the 1929 Stock Market Crash and the Great Depression.

A photograph of the cooks and woodsmen at Frost’s camp captures the importance of women in these operations. Seated in the middle of the group are three women, likely representing a cook and her assistants. Their positioning in the photograph underscores their central role in the camp’s daily functioning, highlighting the teamwork required to sustain such operations.

Like Wheeler’s Woods, Frost’s camp is now a memory, its location overgrown and absorbed into the Allegheny National Forest. However, these historic photographs preserve the legacy of the women who worked there, ensuring their contributions are not forgotten.

The Broader Role of Women in the Lumber Industry

The stories of Wheeler’s Woods and Dave Frost’s camp are part of a larger narrative about the roles women played in Pennsylvania’s lumber industry. While the physical labor of cutting and hauling timber was primarily performed by men, the success of these operations depended on the support provided by women. Their contributions extended beyond cooking and cleaning to include managing supplies, caring for workers, and fostering a sense of community.

Women’s involvement in the camps also challenged societal norms of the time. By taking on essential roles in male-dominated environments, they demonstrated their resilience and adaptability. These women paved the way for future generations, proving that their contributions were just as vital as those of their male counterparts.

Preserving Their Stories

The images and accounts from Wheeler’s Woods and Frost’s camp provide valuable insights into the lives of the people who shaped Pennsylvania’s forests and communities. By preserving and sharing these stories, we honor the legacy of the women who worked in the camps and contributed to the success of the lumber industry.

A Legacy Worth Celebrating

The women of Wheeler’s Woods and Dave Frost’s camp remind us of the strength and determination required to thrive in the lumber industry. Their work, often overlooked in historical narratives, was integral to the industry’s success and the well-being of the workers they supported. These stories continue to inspire, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of women who played a crucial role in Pennsylvania’s lumber heritage.