November 24, 2024

Rebuilding and Relocation of the Cadge Crib at the Algonquin Logging Museum

A cadge crib is a floating wooden raft-like boat built by early loggers to pull booms of logs across lakes. Typically measuring about 9x12 metres (30x40 feet), a cadge crib was powered by one or two horses that used an anchor, long rope, and spinning wooden capstan or spool to winch itself along Algonquin's lakes, allowing the logs in tow to proceed with their journey downstream to market. The Algonquin Logging Museum in Algonquin Park featured an authentic cadge crib, but it isn't there now.

The cadge crib originally built in the early 1990s and in need of replacement given its severely rotted condition, was dismantled during November 2024. Through the efforts of The Friends of Algonquin Park, the Algonquin Forestry Authority, and community partners, and in cooperation with Ontario Parks, a new cadge crib is coming to the Algonquin Logging Museum in 2025. This new cadge crib will be relocated to the Algonquin Logging Museum pond as many park visitors had difficulty imagining how the former cadge crib operated while sitting on dry land. The new cadge crib will also be constructed to improve authenticity, while utilizing materials and techniques that will allow increased longevity of this important part of Canada's technological history.

The Friends of Algonquin Park would like to thank all partners involved in this project that will help educate Park visitors. This project is part of an ongoing multi-year plan by The Friends of Algonquin Park and the Algonquin Forestry Authority to replace or refurbish structures around the Algonquin Logging Museum. If you would like to support this project, please consider making a charitable donation to The Friends of Algonquin Park.

Image: Former cadge crib covered with moss, lichen, and even trees. August 2024.

Image: Dismantling the rotten cadge crib during November 2024. Only metal objects, the horse, and portions of the stable, used by the horses when not working, were in suitable condition for reuse on the new cadge crib. Watch for the small stable structure if you are walking the Algonquin Logging Museum Trail soon.

Image: Site of the former cadge crib. Walls of the stable (shown left) have been saved for reuse. A new cadge crib is coming to the Algonquin Logging Museum in 2025.

Image: Photo manipulation of cadge crib coming in 2025 that will float on the Algonquin Logging Museum Pond.

More About the Cadge Crib

• For more about the cadge crib please see the Algonquin Logging Museum Trail Guidebook available at most Park facilities or online.
• For more information about the Algonquin Logging Museum see The Loggers of Algonquin or plan a visit.

This rebuilding and relocation of the cadge crib at the Algonquin Logging Museum is authorized under Algonquin Park Work Permit WP-ALG-2024-01. Rebuilding and relocation of this interpretive exhibit is in cooperation with Ontario Parks.

---

Related Information

• The Friends of Algonquin Park
• Algonquin Logging Museum