“Betsy” was operated by the Madera Sugar Pine Lumber Company near Yosemite. The company began in 1899. This little engine was eventually scrapped in 1937.
When steam came to the woods just after the turn of the previous century the logging locomotives were the cutting edge of technology. They could move logs farther, faster and in much greater quantity than had been done with horse and oxen. Before the logging railroads the mills were small and often had to be moved, since the log supply had to be within reach of a team of oxen. The logging railroads allowed larger mills to be built because of the much larger area serviced by the railroads.
Often the Sierra mills had their own dedicated logging railroads that didn’t connect to any mainline. They would build spurs to logging areas. When the logging was done, they would tear out the spur and re-lay it into a new logging area. Steel was expensive so they reused all the hardware. Back then the mills were built in the woods to be close to the timber. It was more efficient to move the lumber from woods to the cities than it was to move the logs to the cities.
Loading the log truck.
When the logging truck came onto the scene the loggers no longer needed to build rail spurs and instead built truck roads. This allowed quick access to areas that couldn’t be reached with a logging railroad. As a result mills could go farther to acquire logs, which resulted in mills being moved from the woods to the cities.
Throwin’ on the binders.
Logs arrive at the mill.
Yes I know it’s about hauling logs Blitz, but now you’re just showing off.
THE FORESTER ARTIST 
Tim,
Thanks for the post about the history of logging. I love Forestry Friday. Favorites from this post include your title, factual background, and especially “Betsy.” Very well done!
LikeLike
Thank you so much Linda. I glad you like it.
LikeLike
Great sketch of Betsy and an interesting bit of “logging history”. That Blitz brings back memories our Goldie “Bow”, now long gone. Thanks for the great photos of your pal.
LikeLike
Thank you Zach. Our first golden was a “Bo.” I think old Bo traveled more of the Sierra then most people.
LikeLike
😀 for blitz
LikeLike
She’ll take it!
LikeLike
Interesting story on the history of logging. That’s a pretty impressive piece of wood Blitz is carrying. Alex is going to need a job as he grows and I may just show him some of Blitz’s feats.
LikeLike
Blitz takes her title as “stick dog” very seriously. Seldom is she caught without a stick in her mouth. So Alex is the name you chose. I assume then that nobody claimed him. 🙂
LikeLike
I really like the eduactional posts. So interesting. The photos are great too. Wow. Thise logs are big. Makes me wonder where and how the lumber will eventually be used.
The pic of Blitz is too cute. After all she had to be a part of the action.
LikeLike
Blitz is always in the thick of it. The really long logs are going for utility poles. The shorter one for lumber.
LikeLike
I remember the first time I saw a huge logging truck (don’t remember where, though–but probably either somewhere around Yosemite or else somewhere in British Columbia). The first things that came to mind were 1) I hope that thing stays on its own side of the road, and 2) I sure hope it has good brakes!
LikeLike
I don’t know Alli, you were asking a lot! Truth be told, it’s always the rock truck drivers that scare me.
LikeLike
Such a fine drawing!
LikeLike
Thank you Elena! 🙂
LikeLike
I love learning about forestry, as I have never known anything about the industry. And Blitz must always get the last word/laugh/photo…! Do you think she and Ted are in touch? 🙂
LikeLike
I’m beginning to wonder about Blitz and Ted. Cats and dogs plotting together! What is wrong with the world.
I’m glad to enlighten about forestry. That and having fun is my mission. No wait, having fun is your mission!
LikeLike
You got my mission right! 🙂
LikeLike
It’s good to have skills. 😉
LikeLike
Lovely post Tim. I am following a TV series Axemen. Skilled hard work on those mountainsides. Ralph 😀
LikeLike
We watch it too. I feel like I know those guys. Just like the loggers I know.
LikeLike
Well, sort of… I haven’t been on too many jobs where the loggers are constantly yelling at each other! LOL If those guys are as whinny as they are portrayed on TV, they could never handle the logging jobs we have in northwest CA where the trees are bigger, terrain steeper, and more complex environmental regs.
LikeLike
That’s true, however they are out there. I’ve met Mike Pihl from Axemen, and said that they edit for maximum drama. He shook his head and said it frustrated him because it made the crews look like you describe.
LikeLike
Lovely drawing, and I hope you fully appreciated Blitz’s help 😉
LikeLike
Thank you Nicky. Blitz used to ride strictly in the back of the truck, but now she has been promoted to the front. Next she will expect to drive.
LikeLike
Great read and informational! Blitz seems to always want sinew lime light! Funny dog!
LikeLike
That’s Blitz….the camera loves her!
LikeLike
thank for this beautiful post dear
i love everything about logging and loggers
they are very tough
LikeLike
What a nice thing to say Ajay. Not everyone likes the loggers very much.
LikeLike
I really love them the log cabins the big logs and the giant trucks I love the bid cutting saws and here in India we dont have it so I have beautiful documentaries about them and one the the biggest logging machines
thank you dear Tim 🙂 🙂
LikeLike
You very welcome
LikeLike
🙂 🙂
LikeLike
Interesting post.
LikeLike
Thank you Annie.
LikeLike
This was such an interesting post. I enjoyed reading it. I spend lots of time hiking out in the Sierra’s, so it was nice to learn a little history. And I also enjoyed your pictures. Cheers!:)
LikeLike
Thank you Rose, I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
LikeLike
ah!!!!:)
LikeLike
🙂
LikeLike
Hello there, I just came across your blog. It’s quite interesting, I especially liked this post.
LikeLike
Thank you again. It is my pleasure to have you visit!
LikeLike
Thanks!:)
LikeLike
Pingback: Interview and Great Writing Tips from Author, Linda Martin Andersen | Never Give Up by Joan Y. Edwards
Reblogged this on Ta hendene til din kjære – se på dem og hold dem hardt Disse hendene skal du følge, leie og lede. Du skal få føle på varmen fra dem og kjenne en inderlig glede. De skal stryke deg og de skal holde rundt deg – de er ikke skapt for å såre i vrede For du skal ikke alene mer vandre. De skal klemme og kose og aldri klandre De skal skjerme deg for det du ikke selv ser. De skal elske og aldri forakte – bare hjelpe når du ber. Disse hendene skal jobbe for at dere skal få det godt De skal gi – og du skal takke for det du har fått. De skal tvinnes sammen i kjærlighet og være ømme og gode og et tegn på inderlighet Hendene du holder er sterke og unge De skal gjennom mye for din skyld når dagene er tunge De skal stryke og klemme og være gode og fromme De skal ruske i ditt hår og takke når dagen er omme Disse hendene skal følge deg gjennom livet. De skal holde fast ved deg og verne om samlivet De skal være hos deg når alle andre har gått De skal aldri slippe men holde fast og tørke tårer når du har grått. Hendene skal bære din ring med rette Den skal skinne og for alle berette Jeg elsker deg! – kan den bekjenne Det er bare en som har maken til denne En dag er hendene blitt ru og grå Hver fure og rynke forteller om livet som bak dere lå Dere kan minnes den dagen i dag – da et livslangt bånd Ble knyttet Og fra denne dag dere gikk Hånd i hånd..
LikeLike
🙂 🙂
LikeLike