Sunday, November 16, 2008

I DO NOT LIKE MY JOB AT THIS CAMP

Let's use Martinus Goldberg Johnson again. Let's say they he didn't like working with the crew he was on. Let's say that he went on a camp inspection tour. I understand it was common practice for men to walk between one camp and another, (always arriving at meal time), work a few days and be on their way to the next camp.

What if Martinus found his way to the Duluth and Iron Range Railroad where the principal hauled items were logs and iron ore? It is said that Rockefeller owned great iron mines and all the ore was shipped to Two Harbors and taken by boat to the east and the logs are taken to Duluth.

What did he think about? Did he, like many of the men in New Solum Township, not work in the winter, rather laid up enough money in the working months? I know Grandpa Ranum did just that. Although I do not know what he did with his time. He did not read excessively nor did he learn to play a musical instrument. Now, my grandfather was a pure blooded Norwegian and he was against all Swedes.

If my grandfather would have cut timber twelve hours a day throughout the winter, you can be sure he was the first one into the forest in the morning. He would not put himself into a position to follow Swedes for a few walking miles because of their smell. He would probably stay out of taverns for the same reason, stating they smelled like dead horses. Grandpa said that Swedes can swear for 15 minutes without repeating a profanity. And, besides, Swedes have lice...........................

And that is our story for tomorrow.

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