CLEARWATER TRIBUNE HOME

November 5, 2009

Diary of a forester, Eugene William Langdon

   This is an ongoing, weekly series featuring text from the handwritten diary of a former Forest Ranger, Eugene William Langdon (1883 – 1967).

   Langdon was born in Missouri and moved to Idaho in 1890. His diary spans the time period from May 15, 1913 through May 31, 1914 and was furnished to the Clearwater Tribune by his grandson, Pete Curfman – retired Commissioner of Clearwater County.

   [Editorial note: diary is taken verbatim except where clarification is needed for reader understanding.]

Friday August 1 – 1913

   Assisted the Guards to make out their monthly service reports in the A.M.

   Looked out a grade for a new trail around the west and east side of Salmon Mt. in P M with Guard Dennis

Saturday August 2 – 1913

   Left Salmon Mt to take out the Service reports and get supplies for the Guards.

   Arrived at the Little Salmon river where Guard McCarthy  and Griffith were at work on the trail

   Met a man and woman on the trail who were enroute to Shoup Idaho.

Sunday August 3 – 1913

   Left the Little Salmon and came out to Red River R.S. in company with Guard McCarthy. Guard Griffith moved up to Camp Coverley on the Green Mt. trail to finish opening it up to the Nezperce trail

   Received the telephone batteries for District 7 and the New Forms

Monday August 4 – 1913

   At Red River R.S.

   Made out my service report on the new form and assisted Guard McCarthy with his report

   Went around the pasture fence to see if it was all O.K. Thundering and raining today.

Tuesday August 5 – 1913

   Went to Elk City and got some supplies and the mail. Met Supervisor Ring and his crew

   Guard McCarthy accompanied me to Elk City and then went over to the Snow Storm Mine where Supervisor Ring’s crew were camped on his own accord

Wednesday August 6 – 1913

   Put up trail signs at the Red River R.S. bridge in A.M. Guard McCarthy arrived at 11 A.M.

   Started back to Salmon Mt. got as far as Mt. Meadows and camped.

Thursday August 7 – 1913

   Left Mt Meadows and reached Camp Coverley on the Green mt trail where Guard Griffith was at work

   Repaired the telephone line while enroute

   Guard McCarthy accompanied me