Welcome to Camp 28
Saloon, Bunkhouse and Cook Shanty
Tucked away in the heart of the Wisconsin
Northwoods
“In 1881 J.J. Kennedy, Sam Hagen, Mr. Hildreth, Angus McDonald and Frank 
JohnsonTraveled from Spencer to Westboro by train, from there they followed an Indian trail, carrying their packs of provisions and blankets on their backs to what is now Rib Lake. They estimated the area’s timber and chose a mill site. Four of the men pooled their money and loaned it to J.J. Kennedy to start a mill and the town of Rib Lake. The first log was sawed in December of that same year.In 1904 the Rib Lake Lumber Company was the largest manufacturer of hemlock lumber in the world. Approximately twenty-five million board feet was run through the mill.In 1913 the company placed ads to recruit “350 bark peelers”, and their intention to run four “camps” to house the men in the area where the timber was to be cut. As the timber was cut in each area, crews would move to another location or camp. The last operating camp for the Rib Lake Lumber Company was Camp 28. An article published by the Rib Lake Herald in 1907 states that the logging industry in “Rib Lake and the surrounding camps employ about 800 men, and the amount paid for labor and material exceeds $300,000. Annually. There is plenty of work, at good wages, in all seasons of the year.” In July 1914, a fire broke out in the mill. Dark clouds of smoke drifted over town and blocked out the sun. Despite the best efforts of the men and women who fought to save their town and their livelihood the mill was virtually destroyed. It was rebuilt and re-opened in 1916. Operations opened in camps 9, 10 and 13, each housed more than 100 men.On February 25, 1948 the lumber company’s holdings of timber in the area were exhausted. Rib Lake businesses closed for the day. A crowd of more than 300 gathered to witness the cutting of the last tree, a white pine that had stood regal and majestic for 200 years, as it toppled to the forest floor, it marked the end of an era. The tree stood 95 feet tall and measured 31” at the butt. It scaled out at 1460 board feet.The huge operation that employed hundreds of men ended. The winter months of living and working in the camps were no more. Pulp trucks have taken the place of the railroad...massive logging equipment allows small crews to do the work of many men.
The men who did this hard, and often dangerous work, often in sub-zero temperatures looked forward to delicious, hearty meals and time for camaraderie. Those who provided three hot meals a day for the hungry men were known as Cookees. Their skills were “top notch” and they were well respected in the camps.
Our goal at Camp 28 is to carry on this “Northwoods” tradition of delicious, hearty meals in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
While you are here, feel free to take the time to enjoy the many pictures and logging memorabilia that has been so kindly donated by local families as a tribute to the men who lived and worked in the camps. As you do...you’ll hear the whisper of the strong, brave men who settled this land…
The Lumberjacks