[dainbramaged]

I believe the term was also used to describe the steam powered winches used to haul logs up to the landing.
Those old time loggers were some rough customers - the cemetery where many of my ancestors are buried has maybe two dozen graves of men killed in the woods during the 30's.
Safety? They never heard that word.

[21twelve]

I think you’re right on the winch thing. My grandfather came over from Europe - around 18 iirc. Alone. Started off logging in northern Minnesota, but lost two fingers in an accident. Even today I think logging is one of the more dangerous jobs.