Click on the numbers to continue your self-guided tour
15. Main chalet at chutes site
This reception chalet was constructed by the Pontiac MRC and was officially opened July 14, 1985. Inside the chalet are many small artifacts relating to the logging industry as well as information on the Bryson family, the Marchand (red) covered bridge, and the communities within Pontiac county. There is a viewing room for a logging video presentation as well as interior restrooms, a snack center and souvenir display.
What happened to the log drives?
Radio communications were established in 1961 from Lac Pomponne and the different campsite to headquarters in Davidson, Quebec. In 1963, the construction of a road system was started along the river and by 1972, it was 75% completed. This facilitated the use of timber jacks and busses that could transport the men to and from the various camps, eliminating many campsites and allowing the men to go home every other weekend. Prior to this, men worked 12 hours a day, 6 days a week and 5 hours on Sunday, coming down only when the drive was finished.
Labour problems, environmental concerns along, with the improvement of trucking and hauling facilities were the main reasons for stopping the log drive even through it was much cheaper to float the logs down the river.
The last log drive on the Coulonge River was in 1982.
