We all love New Hampshire for the plentiful forests in which we can disappear for a few hours. But, these forests offer more than an escape. They once offered one of the state’s most important resources. The trees here helped foster a logging industry that kept many New Hampshirites afloat during the state’s early days. In fact, for many people here, logging was a way of life and not just a way to make money. These photos show was life was like back when the logging industry was so important.

1. The sheer size of the logs that were cut is astounding!
keenepubliclibrary / Flickr
This photo, including a crew in Keene, was taking in the nearly 1900s. Once the logs were cut, the work was only just beginning!
2. Cutting the trees was just one small part of the process.
foresthistory / Flickr
Next the work force was tasked with rolling the logs onto these transport sleds to get them out of the woods. Not an easy job.
3. Horses were sometimes used to move the logs from the woods to their next destination.
foresthistory / Flickr
And, of course, because it's New Hampshire snow could never be ruled out as an obstacle. This job in Guilford back in 1939 was managed by two horses and one man.
4. Horses were also used to help clear the land.
foresthistory / Flickr
Pictured here in 1954, this land is part of the Dartmouth College Grant in Coos County.

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5. In the early 1900s, loggers couldn't rely on trucks we have today to do the heavy lifting.
keenepubliclibrary / Flickr
Instead, mules and other animals helped the process along. These logs moved through Keene slowly, but surely to get to their destination.
6. After the wood was cut and the land cleared, the logs had to go somewhere.
dghdeeo / Flickr
And trains were an important part of moving the Granite State lumber to their next destination.
7. The plentiful waterways in New Hampshire played a crucial, if dangerous, role in logging.
MOFFETT HOUSE BERLIN, NEW HAMPSHIRE / Wikimedia Commons
Men stood atop logs as they made their way down the river. Known as "driving logs" this process used all available resources in the state to get the job done. Including, rivers!
8. Large swaths of the state were involved in the logging industry, but Berlin was a major center for the process.
tuckdbpostcards.com
9. Even today you'll see reminders of how important logging is to the Granite State!
catchesthelight / Flickr

We love looking back on the way things were. And these 12 photos of New Hampshire from the early 1900s are beyond fascinating!

 

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