The trees were enormous early in the 1900s. Here are Emma Boettcher McGilvery and Ernest Boettcher of Alder standing with some of the incredible trees.
What seems almost impossible to imagine is that the tree Ernest is standing in front of was sawed down with a two man crosscut saw. If you look closely you can see the saw still in the tree at the top.
If you’re curious, check out this video Chainsaw vs. Crosscut saw. I apologize for the quality, but it’s demonstrates that the saw and two men could get the job done.
Photos courtesy of Pat Van Eaton.
Click on images to enlarge.
Eatonville To Rainier 