The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, May 06, 1896, Image 9

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    ITH PIKE AND PEAVEY.
rils and Hardships of the Log
Driver's Vocation.
ASSUMING HERO OF THE FOREST
lulling Dom Kwnllrn fttrcamt on Whirl-
Rounding Timber, H Tnkwi HI
.If In HlK Hand When Ha llmhi a
uo Jam,
Junt nhont this time of year the log
iving Benson beginn. Perhaps you
du't noticed it. Thnt 1s not at nil
Angfl, for it is only in a few sections
the country where the log driver ia it)
idonce. He does his work mninly in
a solitudes of the backwoods, fnr from
wna and ctvUizntlon. Perhaps it la
at aa well, for the log driver does not
ine brightly in society.
But away tip on the little atrenma thnt
ed the Manistee in Michigan, the
hnobwot and the Kennebec in Maine,
le roaring Reatigonche in Cnnada and
fie big rivers of Minnesota and Wiscon-
n the log driver now holds the center
F the stage.
When the first warm days of April
ave begun to honeycomb the ice, which
aa looked the streams for months, when
be melting snows swell them iuto twice
nd three times their usual size, then it
that the lumber contractor makes
leady for the spring drive. Tho lugs
thich have been cut during the winter
onths and hauled to the bank of a cou-
enient stream must be floated down to-
kard the sawmills where the gang saws
kre waiting grimly for them. The high
tvater cannot be depended upon to last
or more than Ave or sii weeks, and
prompt work is necessary.
The first thing to be done is to get the
oga which are piled lip on the bank in-
0 the water. This is easily accomplish-
Ml, for all that is necessary is to start
hem, and they roll with a great splusli
and crashing of ice into the stream. By
the time this is done there comes a big
rain or a thuw, and nway the logs rush
down stream with the mad waters.
Then conrcq the river driver.
A picturesque figure he is in his long,
stout booth, his heavy flannel shirt
sleeves rolled np on his brawny arms,
and grasping his formidable peavey or
his 10 foot pike pole. He brings to his
work not only muscle and brawn, buC
the conrago of a crusader, tho skill of n
tight rope w.lker and n perfect indiflcr
ence to cold, hunger and hardships of
every kind.
From the hendwnters of tho stream
where the logs begin their journey down
to some lar; body of water where they
are collected into booms the log driver
must follow them, guiding them along
with skillful jnbs from his pike, shov
ing them from sand bars where they have
stranded and breaking them loose when
they have become entangled in n juni.
Perhaps U is 100 miles from the bank
ing ground where they start to tho lake
or river where wait tho tugs and boou-i
of tho booming company which Is to
take charge of them for tho remainder
of their jumuoy to tho mill. The driver
travels tho whole of this distance in the
. very midst of tho founding waters with
no uk re suhsruutiul craft under him
than u green log. It may well be culled
a perilous business. A man unskilled in
the knack of log driving would keep
out of the ioy water just about u minute.
Nothing mure unstnble thuu a sir.all
floating log cuu be imagined. Every turn
of the current gives it an additional ro
tary motion, und every time it is struck
by uuotlier lug the motion chuugex.
But the river driver is just us much
at homo und ut his euse in the midst of
a moving mass of plunging, whirling
logs ns he would be on u city pavement,
In the thick soles of his big boots are
tuuk dozeuB of sharp brads calks, he
calls them which stick iuto the log und
keep his feet from slipping. His long,
lender pike lie uses us a balancing pule
in ticklish pluces, but he would scorn to
acknowledge thut it served bim any oth
er purpose thuu to shove the logs abuut.
I h p seen two river drivers get on cue
smuil log und try to roll each other off,
and that when the water was only ju.t
Above f reezii'3 point. ,
' t,. . i : . . ,:..) -i m 1. : i j
out uittrti in we viiub lur tijih sort ui
fan while ths drive is on. The logs seem
to be about as stubborn to drive as
drove of pigs. They are always getting
hung up on enaga, rooks and bars, and
where one sticks a dozen more are sure
to follow. The strugglei's buve. to be
shoved off and made to take their place
in the procession that moves rapidly
along with the current.
Sometimes the drivers notice that the
naovemeut is becoming more and more
lnggiab and that tbe stream is begin-
HKSSRpW .-fiifilBftW),
w:k. .:' Mm im.
ning to widen out. They know what
that means well enough.
"Tell the boss there's a Jam ahead."
The word is pnssed on until it reaches
the oaptnin of the drive. Be at once
gathers up a picked crow of his best
men and starts off down strenni as fust
as possible, the men jumping from log
to log and running over the moving
surfuco us handily ns newsboys dodging
cable cars In a crowded street.
A log jam is n sight worth seeing, but
one which the river driver does not care
to witness. It happens when two or
more logs get tangled np with the shore
and. each other in such 11 way ns to block
the stream. Then there is trouble. Like
o many sheep the logs come tumbling
on, each one adding to the strength of
the dnm. Those that cannot plunge over
the barrier plow their way under ns far
as they can get, and in a short time the
stream is completely filled up, making
in a few moments a dam ns eff ectual as
a dozen men could construct in a week.
When the captain of the drive and his
crew arrive, they take a hnsty view of
the situation and at once get to work,
for tho logs are piling np higher and
higher every moment. The practiced
eye of the captain soon picks out the
logs which have done all the mischief,
although to the uninitiated there is
nothing but a confused mass cf timber.
The "key log" is generally located in
the center of the pile. To get that log
out or to chop it to pieces is all that is
required to break the jam.
Then comes the rail for h volunteer.
This is o thrilling moment. A verita
ble hero is wanted. Perhaps you smile.
Ton wouldn't if you had once witnessed
such a scene and looked at the serious
faces of the men who are seemingly care
less of their lives. They know what is
the risk that the man must take who
goes out on the front of that jam and re
leases the mighty forces that are behind
it.
There is n moment's hesitation, and
then a brond shouldered logger steps
forward with a look of grim determina
tion on his fnce. He has coolly decided
to risk his life. There is no inducement
offered, not even that of promotion,
which sometimes spurs the soldier on to
valorous deeds. The rcspedt and admira
tion of his comrades, often unexpressed,
is the only possible reward if ho succeeds.
A rope is tied around tho wnist of the
volunteer, and grabbing an ux or a
peavey he c'imbs out on tho face of the
pile, which groans nnd creaks ominous
ly as the 103 thunder down on tho bar
ricade thnt n'ops their progress. Singling
out the miichiovons key log, ho attacks
it. First ho tries to wrench it from its
place with tho peavey, n stout nsh lever
with nu iron cant dog on the end.
But the peuvey fails. Then ho tries
the ax. With quick, Arm, but cautions
strokes ho cuts nwuy the very foundation
on which his feet rest. Tho crew on the
shore watch iho work jinrrowly.
"tiook outl There sho conies I"
The jam lias broken !
With a n jacing roar the imprisoned
waters break Through tho pup and lurl
the great lops before them ns if they
were chips. Throwing uwuy his ux, the
during lofcgpr makes n desr.t rate dash for
the shore. Now a mass of lops topp'e
over, nnd it seems us if l;ouiut bo buried
beneath their weight. Ent, no; he
dodges out from under them just iu
time.
- Now look! The jum bus given way
in front. His escupe is cut off, No;
there is still one chance. By a wonder
ful leap lie alights on a big log thnt is
plunging nud diving in tho foam. He
rides it for n moment, and jnst as it is
about tci pluugo nguin info the stream
he jumps to another. A fow more leapt
and he is sufo. " A hearty shout goes up
from the men who drug liim ashore.
The jum is broken, and thu man who
did tho work will figure ns the hero for
months uftc. Such lire some of the
perils uf u log driver's life. --
- , ', Sewku. Ford.
CBietl's rivah t or X'urU.
The Algcrinn butchers, says La Pe
tite Bepublique of Paris, buve made a
contract with two Paris bouses to supply
large quantity of camel's meat, which
will be sola in the cupitul during th
carnival time. According to the official
report of tha Algirinu sanitary inspect
or, the wea' resell. bJes that of the ux,
but is not so fine in its fiber. '' It is u
tender and us nutritious as veal. The
camel's hunpfs said to be an especially
duiuty uiursnL
w 'Bogs of Pt.
-, Irish petit rugs, which made their first
apperunu iu Loudon quite recently,
are gaining ' pproval in many quarters.
Not ouly rugs, but dresses und men's
suits can bo made out of this peat,
which is nothing more or less than Irish
bog mixed with u little jute.
m. w. Mcdonald,
Ssssh, insurance.
I have a large lino of Companies and
am prepared to handle largo or small
lines of Insurance. Prompt attention
given to any business Intrusted to my
care. Olllcoln Nolan Block, Iloynolds
vlllo, I'a.
First National Hank
OF It K I'.VO L lS 17 L I. K.
cnpiTKt. so,ooo.oo.
'. Itlttehf-ll, PrcMdenU
Nrott Mc lellnnd, Vie Prra.t
John II, Handier, runnier.
" ' Directors:
C. Mlt. lielt, fcott MeClellniHl, J.C KIiir,
John II. t'orltctt, H. E. Hrown,
U. W. Fuller, .!. II. Kiuiclicr.
Does n Beiiernlhiinkliiliislneiinrt solicits
the h units of merchants, nfensliniil men,
farmers, mechanics, miners, lumbermen and
others, promising the most enreful Attention
to the hushies of all persons.
8u fc Deposit Hoxes for rent.
First National Hank hulldliiK, Nolan hlock
Fire Proof Vault.
Facts
and not "fad" are ele
ments the thoughtful
buyer is looking for in
these days of close com
petition, and these are
found in purchasing
GROCERIES where you
get the best returns for
your money and this you
can do at the
GROCERY -STORE
OK
W. R. Martin,
Dealer in Fine Groceries,
Canned (roods, Tobacco
and Cigars, Flour,
Feed, etc., Fine
Teas and
Roasted Coffees.
W. R. MARTIN,
Main Stukkt,
Rkynoi.dsvim.k, Pknna.
I have bought the
Finest and Best
line of Goods ever
brought to Reyn
oldsville. A line of novelty goods
from 10 to ,r0 cents a vard;
dress goods in all colors and
at all prices; plaids from 8 to
75 cts a yard; Shepherd plaid
from 12 i to 75 cts; cashmeres
in all colors and at prices to
suit the times; forty-live inch
Henrietta in black, blue,
green and rose at 48 cts a
yard; former price 81.00.
A large line in wash goods;
Dimity, Percale, Gesmonda
and Moire Esistal, Dotted
Swiss in white, blue and pink
at prices lower than ever;
white goods at all prices;
satines in plain, striped and
figures.
Large line of embroideries
from 2 cts up to 75 cts a
yard.
Ladies' waists from 48 cts
to 81.25.
CLOTHING.
You will save money bv
buying your clothing at
Hanau's. Men's all wool
cheviot suits at 6.50, worth
10.00; men's all wool cheviot
suits at 5,00; men's clay suitB
from 6.50 to $14; youth's
suits in cheviots, worsteds
and clay, all colors, at all
prices.
Boys' and children's suits
from 75c up to 5.00,
A large line of laundried
BhirtB, white and colored,
from 50c to 1.25.
A fine line in neckwe;
cweaj
iuy.
hats and caps.
riease call in Detore tmy
ing elsewhere. No trouble
to Bhow goods.
1ST. Hanau.
Stylist
MEN, BOYS
Our Men's, Boys and Children's Clothing Department is
brimming over with the largest and choicest assortment of Clothing
for men, boys and children ever shown' outside of the city. This
is no blow, but the verdict we have from city people who happen
to call at our store.
We lead in three points,
-The Matchless Assortment Shown,
-The
Cold type cannot do justice to many of the styles for this
spring. We might as well try to describe pictures as many of the
stylish suits for men, boys and children we are showing for spring.
Call and convince yourself that what we advertise we back up with
the goods. We never advertise something we have not got or able
to back up.
Men's Suits for Spring,
In cutaway, douhle hreiiKti'd park, sqiuiro ent suck
und round cornered wicks, for M.iil). .VOll, 11.00. 7.00. H.OO,
10.00, lloo und !."). 00 vc lve you a trimi-mitou with uvrry
milt and we UHk your InHpi'i-tlon on theso nulls. Tln-y uro
the llnoKt lino wo huvo over hhown tho puliUc.
tVV53
jren's Pants.
Remeralx-r we are utfent for the
world renowned Sweet, Orr und Co.
pant every pulr guaranteed. We can
sell you u working pant for lt,'c, 7."c,
1.00-, 1.2" and 1.50. See them.
Men's Spring Shirts.
Our line of men spring Hhirts how
more dilllrent wtyles to select from than
all others put together. We can give
you a good working shirt for 2Te., "0c,
75o. Dress shirts for 7.rc, $1.00, 1.2T,
1.50 and 2.00.
Trunks and Valises.
We can soli you a good Trunk, full
size, for $1.75, 2.00, 2.50, 3.00 and up to
KIS.UO, a good Telescope lor o.
Spring
and GHILDREN,
Beauty of the Styles,
and Low Prices.
Double-breasted Suits.
Wo have .'100 style In Double HreiiHted Suit for
your hoys. Every milt In Mtock i mado up with a vlow
to Morvioo no mutter how cheap. Tho I'rleos run for
!Wc l.oo, l.ro. 2.IM), 2..10, 3.IMI, 4.00 und .'.00.
Mothers, call and see them.
YOUNC MEN'S SUITS.
Everybody uy Vien you want ttntuu. htyliiJi-mado
ult gn to Hell'. ( )ur younj; men suit thi eaon uro
tho lineKt thnt tin market could how. They run In
price from ;i.r0. 4..MI, ."lOO, (I.IKI, 7.00, N.00 uiul I0.00.
For wtylo und lit tliey uro tho Hiilt you wunt.
100 Stiiles In Bous' WasH Suits.
Wo iruiii'unteo cverv Wash Suit wo noil to ho fant
Color. Wo huvo them for iVIc, 7.1c, 91.H0, 1.2.'), Loll.
2.00 and 2."i0. Mother It w ill pay you to cull und
look them over.
IJoys' Knee Pants.
Tho ftnot line you over uuw for 'Sto., 50c., 7.1c,
$1.01), I. 'St und l.."iO.' Every pair double twitted and
double knee und warranted not to rip.
Men's Spring Derbies.
Tho greutest line you ever have seen
for $1.0(1, 1.25, 1.50, 2.00, 2.50, 3.00 und
4.00. We huve ull tho Loading Styles
such us Uunlap. Miller. Knox, Voumau
und Stetson, In Hlaok, Hrown und Slate.
Men's Underwear.
A good suit of Halbriggun for 50c.
the very best French Uulbriggun for
$1.00 a suit they come In long or short
sleeves.
Boys' and Children's Hats
and Caps.
We have the largest line in the
county to seleot from. Wo cun give you a
struw hut from fie. to $1.50. All tho
latest Btyles In headgear.
BELL, the
Clothing !
...
NOVELTY SUITS.
Now und hundwinio BtyloH In .TuiiIoi-h. KutniM, Middys,
Uoofcru und many other now dunlins, beyond u (juewtlon tho
lineKt collection ever you looked ut. We huvo them for
2.00, 2..i0, Il.OO, .'l.fiO, 4.00 und .Y00. Somo huvo two pairs
l'ants and Cui to mutch. Watch our nhow window.
Men's Sweaters of Every
Description.
A good White Sweato'.1 for 20c, 25.,
50c, 75o. and $1.00. Wo alo have
sweaters as high us $4.50, all colors.
Bicycle Outfits,
In Bicycle Pant, (iolf II oho and Bolts,
a good Pair Blcyclo Pants, Blue or
Gray, for $1.50. See the in.
Bicycle Caps.
See tbe Patent Bicycle Cap we are
showing, the only deuler that have
them.
Only
EXCLUSIVE CLOTHIEK, IIATTEK,
FURNISHER AND MERCHANT TAILOR.