Women in Pennsylvania’s Lumber Camps: The Role of Cooks and Cookees

Women’s Work in the Lumber Industry

When we think of Pennsylvania’s lumber industry, images of rugged woodhicks and towering trees often come to mind. Yet, behind the scenes, women played critical roles in the success of lumber camps. According to the 1860 Census, 40 women were employed in Pennsylvania’s lumber industry, 32 of whom worked in Forest County. These women, often cooks or “cookees” (cook’s helpers), formed the backbone of daily camp life, ensuring that the men had the sustenance they needed to face grueling days in the woods.

The Life of a Camp Cook

Life as a camp cook was no easy task. Preparing meals for 60 to 80 hungry men three times a day demanded physical strength, endurance, and organizational skills. Women cooks worked tirelessly, rising before dawn to prepare hearty breakfasts and ending their day only after dinner was served and cleaned up. For many, this laborious routine left little time for rest or leisure.

Women’s presence in the camps was often tied to family roles. Many worked alongside their husbands, who were jobbers or blacksmiths, or joined camps as widows seeking work to support their families. Children, too, contributed, performing basic chores or helping in the kitchen. Together, these family units created a sense of community amid the remote and rugged camp environment.

Camp Life Through Historical Snapshots

Photographs from Pennsylvania’s lumber camps offer glimpses into this hidden history. In an image of a Kettle Creek camp, Mrs. Carpenter and Mrs. Cooper, both cooks, are seen taking a rare moment of rest. In another, the wife of camp owner John Coggin is seated with her son, while other women, likely the cooking staff, stand nearby. These photos highlight not only the women’s roles but also the social norms of the time, with men standing prominently in the foreground, tools in hand, and women often pictured in the background.

At Dan McLaughlan’s camp in Potter County, the divide between men’s and women’s roles is stark. Men stand with their tools, ready for work, while women are seated, emphasizing the era’s strict gendered expectations. Despite their subordinate societal position, these women worked longer hours than their male counterparts, balancing domestic and camp responsibilities.

The Strength of Women in the Camps

Cooking for large crews required not only culinary skill but also sheer physical strength. Large kettles, skillets, and pots were often too heavy for one person to lift, yet women managed these challenges daily. Their perseverance was evident in the meals they prepared—nourishing dishes that kept the workforce fueled and content.

Boarding houses were another domain where women’s contributions shone. In Clinton County, the interior of a boarding house run by Mrs. Downing reflects her dedication. The table is meticulously set for 40 men, and the walls of the plank building show the rough living conditions of the era. Women like Mrs. Downing ensured the men were well-fed and cared for, gaining their respect and gratitude.

Stories of Resilience and Resourcefulness

Women in lumber camps were more than cooks; they were pillars of resilience. Clara Moore, a cook at Short Run in Potter County, exemplifies this spirit. Her photograph, inscribed with a heartfelt Christmas note, suggests the close-knit relationships that formed in these camps. In some cases, these bonds led to marriage, as men sought wives who could manage the demanding life of a lumber camp.

The transient nature of the industry brought people from across the country to Pennsylvania’s camps. Some women, like those hired by James Harvey Stephens in the 1890s, came with their families, while others joined independently. These women worked under isolated and often harsh conditions but managed to create a sense of home and stability for the men around them.

Recognizing Their Contributions

The contributions of women in Pennsylvania’s lumber camps were vital but often overlooked. These cooks and cookees didn’t just provide meals; they sustained the workforce and fostered a sense of community in an otherwise transient and rugged industry. Their ability to adapt, persevere, and thrive under challenging circumstances underscores their importance in the history of the Lumber Heritage Region.

Honoring the Legacy

As we delve into the stories of Pennsylvania’s lumber camps, it’s essential to acknowledge the roles of women who balanced the demands of domestic work and industry. Their resilience and resourcefulness ensured the smooth operation of the camps and contributed to the overall success of the lumber industry.

The story of women in the camps is a reminder of the strength and determination it takes to build a community in the face of adversity. Their legacy lives on in the history of Pennsylvania’s forests, offering inspiration for generations to come.