Kickin' it Old School

metaspencer · Nov 13, 2020

Now that's a ladder! Came across this image while looking for a new knee ascender. These guys didn't use no knee ascenders.

Tuebor · Nov 13, 2020

The Dexter elm in Massachusetts. Either 1891 or 1892 depending on the source.

Redmech · Nov 13, 2020

Has that pic been altered. The guy on the far left, doesn’t hardly seem the branch is large enough to support him. Maybe he’s a 110 pound fella.

Tuebor · Nov 13, 2020

Redmech said:
Has that pic been altered. The guy on the far left, doesn’t hardly seem the branch is large enough to support him. Maybe he’s a 110 pound fella.

There are a couple versions of this photograph floating around the internet. This one shows the workers in slightly different positions.

I thought there was one showing more ladders in the tree, but I can't find it.

There are a few articles out there, but I'm not sure if they have all their facts straight:

In 1896 Workers Attempted to Eradicate Moth Larvae From a Large Elm Tree in Malden, Massachusetts

MALDEN MUSINGS Remembering the bicentennial Dexter elm

Sounds like it succumbed in 1915. Photos from: Gypsy Moth Historic Photo Gallery

Flying~Squirrel · Nov 13, 2020

They pulled it over from the roots? Was that common?

Benjo75 · Nov 13, 2020

Easier way to get the stump out. Dig around it and pull the tree over. Made it easier for the mules to roll the stump out.

metaspencer · Nov 14, 2020

So cool to learn more about the pic! I just love the idea of those dudes climbing that beast of a tree via ladder, then spanning out all over the place.