Old Trucker’s Picnic

September 22, 2022 1:30 am
Barry Swanson reads of old-time log trucking while Joe Gaydeski and Pat Ruble share stories of the past.
Barry Swanson reads of old-time log trucking while Joe Gaydeski and Pat Ruble share stories of the past.

Story and photos

by Lonnie Archibald

It was quite a gathering of truckers and loggers at the old Rosmond’s Mill Roundhouse off the LaPush Road Saturday, Sept. 17 where stories of past trucking and logging were shared by those who gathered there.

Oh, I suppose there were some true stories told along with what truckers might categorize as BS but on the whole it was a good gathering of locals along with out-of-towners who visited the area in which they once hauled logs, lumber, chips, fuel and gravel.

Many photos and articles were shared along with films, memorabilia and a great lunch which included salmon baked the traditional style on an outdoor pit. Even an active model of a yarding operation was set up for all to observe. And yes, of course, the Lions Club offered their popular Beer Garden. Can you imagine a group of truckers and loggers gathering without a beer or two? Neither can I.

Joe Dahlgren (left) reacts to a tale of logging and trucking. It was 1952 just after the Forks fire of ‘51 that Joe and his family moved from Everson, WA to Forks to salvage the giant but dying evergreens left by the fire.

Joe Dahlgren (left) reacts to a tale of logging and trucking. It was 1952 just after the Forks fire of ‘51 that Joe and his family moved from Everson, WA to Forks to salvage the giant but dying evergreens left by the fire.

Overall it was a well-attended and joyous time as truckers gathered for what could possibly be an annual affair. What more could these truckers ask for, a great time reminiscing, a great lunch, a couple of beers, and a whole lot of BS?

Overall it was a well-attended and joyous time as truckers gathered for what could possibly be an annual affair. What more could these truckers ask for, a great time reminiscing, a great lunch, a couple of beers, and a whole lot of BS?

Rene Davis takes time to photograph Don Adams (left) and Howard Goakey in front of the old Allen’s 1966 KW off-highway log truck. Howard drove for Lloyd Allen for a short time but spent many years loading for him while Don told of driving the old truck down the steep logging road from Owl Mountain on the upper Hoh where you didn’t dare lose your air brakes.

Rene Davis takes time to photograph Don Adams (left) and Howard Goakey in front of the old Allen’s 1966 KW off-highway log truck. Howard drove for Lloyd Allen for a short time but spent many years loading for him while Don told of driving the old truck down the steep logging road from Owl Mountain on the upper Hoh where you didn’t dare lose your air brakes.