River Driver

River driving, better known as log driving, was an important event for the forest industry of Canada. In the early 1800's, log driving on the rivers was the only way to transport the logs to the mills; in later years it continued to be the most economical.
Log driving required a great deal of time and strength to accomplish. The men participated in the dangerous yet exciting River Drives. They dealt with early mornings and dangerous tasks, along with enjoyable moments. It was the job of the river driver, armed with peavey and pike pole, to keep logs moving downstream. Some drivers stood watch at bends in the banks or on bars or islands to keep logs from clustering, while others followed the drive, clearing the shores.

During the first log drives, men worked ten to fourteen hour days at approximately $1.25 a day. Later, the days were shortened to eight hours, and the wages brought up to approximately $3.00 a day. Injury, illness and death were the log drivers' constant companions.

The logs were cut and piled along the shores of lakes or the banks of the rivers throught the winter. When the river was judged to be at the right height, the logs began their journey down the windy river.
Another difficulty the drivers or "River Hoggs" faced was bringing the logs through the rapids. The depth of the river could also be a problem. In order to successfully bring the logs to the mills, the water's depth had to be perfect.
Along with the difficulties came many great dangers. Although only one person was ever recorded drowning during log driving, the men took risks every day. The most dangerous of the tasks was log walking. Despite the fact that log rolling was not their strongest talent, the men had to jump from one log to another, pushing them down the river.