Maine Memory Network

Contributed by McArthur Public Library

Description

Logs being driven down the Saco River towards the lumber yards of Biddeford/Saco, circa 1894. In the spring began the log drive and the dangerous log jams on icy rivers as the logs are moved from the forest to the mills. Working on the river was a precarious profession for the loggers using peaveys to keep the logs moving.

A peavey had a long handle with a pincer to hook onto a log, grab it, and move it. This tool was the only thing they had at that time to help break up the log jams. The river drivers were the most highly skilled, and the most highly respected men in the logging camps. Notice the logs stacked into small islands on the river. Three church spires of Biddeford can be seen in the distant background.

View/Add Comments

---

About This Item

• Title: Log Drive, Saco River, ca. 1894
• Creator: W.H. Parish Publishing Company
• Creation Date: circa 1894
• Subject Date: circa 1894
• Location: Biddeford, York County, ME
• Media: Photographic print
• Dimensions: 15.1 cm x 18.2 cm
• Local Code: 2390
• Collection: General Image Collection
• Object Type: Image

---

Cross Reference Searches

Standardized Subject Headings

• Saco River (N.H. and Me.)
• Rivers--Maine
• Log driving--Maine
• Loggers--Maine
• Lumber industry--Maine
• Log transportation--Maine

---

For more information about this item, contact:

McArthur Public Library
PO Box 346, Biddeford, ME 04005
(207) 284-4181
Website

---

---

Please post your comment below to share with others. If you'd like to privately share a comment or correction with MMN staff, please send us a message with this link.