The Rich Lumbering History of the Maine Highlands

Early Beginnings

Logging in Maine began in the early 1600s when English explorers first cut trees on Monhegan Island. By 1634, the first water-powered sawmill was built in South Berwick, marking the start of a booming industry. Fast forward to 1832, and Bangor had become the largest shipping port for lumber in the world. At its peak, as many as 3,000 ships were anchored in Bangor, creating a bustling scene where one could almost walk across ship decks to Brewer. Between 1832 and 1888, an astounding 8,737,628,202 board feet of lumber were shipped from Bangor.

The Rise of Patten

During this period, the town of Patten, located 100 miles north of Bangor, emerged as a significant center for logging operations. Each spring, logs harvested in the Patten area during the preceding winter were floated down the Penobscot River in massive drives to the mills in Bangor. This process exemplified the ingenuity and hard work that characterized Maine’s lumbering industry.

Innovations from Maine

Maine made several notable contributions to the logging industry, including the invention of the Peavey cant hook and the Lombard steam log hauler. These innovations revolutionized logging practices and demonstrated Maine’s role as a leader in the industry.

The Lombard log hauler was created by Alvin Orlando Lombard in Waterville, Maine. He built 83 of these steam-powered log haulers between 1901 and 1917. This hauler could transport logs year round, as it was equipped with skis that allowed it to travel over ice and snow. You can see one in operation at the Maine Forest and Logging Museum in Bradley, Maine.

A Peavey is a traditional logging tool used primarily to handle, move, and roll logs. It was invented by blacksmith Joseph Peavey in 1858 in Stillwater, Maine, and became an essential tool in the logging industry. The Peavey remains a symbol of Maine’s logging heritage and an important tool in forestry operations today. Here’s a breakdown of its features and uses:

Features of a Peavey

  • Handle: Typically made of hardwood or modern composite materials, the handle is long and sturdy to provide leverage.
  • Hook: A curved, movable metal hook attached to the handle. This hook grabs onto the log, allowing it to be rolled or maneuvered.
  • Spike (Peavey-specific): A pointed spike on the end of the handle, which distinguishes a Peavey from a standard cant hook. This spike can be driven into the log to improve grip and control, especially useful on icy or wet logs.

Uses of a Peavey

  • Rolling Logs: The hook grabs the log, allowing loggers to roll and reposition it. This is particularly useful for moving logs into position for milling or stacking.
  • Lifting and Maneuvering: By leveraging the handle, loggers can lift one end of a log to place it onto a stack or move it to a different location.
  • Safety and Efficiency: The Peavey helps loggers work more safely and efficiently by providing better control over the logs, reducing the risk of injury from manually handling heavy timber.