Eureka Humboldt County J. A. Meiser Logging Steam Donkey 1909 Real Photo Postcard

"Trumbolat Logging" illustrates the intensive timber operations prevalent in regions like Humboldt County, California, during the early 20th century. The photograph prominently features a steam donkey engine, a crucial innovation that revolutionized logging by providing mechanical power to haul massive old-growth timber from remote forests to rail lines or waterways, significantly increasing efficiency over traditional animal power. These operations were foundational to the region's economy and infrastructure development.

This period marked a peak in the demand for lumber, fueled by rapid westward expansion and industrialization across America. Steam-powered machinery, like the donkey engine, enabled the logging of vast, dense forests, transforming landscapes and shaping communities. Photographers such as J. A. Meiser documented these arduous endeavors, capturing the scale of the industry, the technology employed, and the challenging lives of the loggers.