The healthy bellow of a Lombard Tractor-Truck echoed through the snowy woods as it hauled sleds along the haul road. The rasp of a crosscut saw biting through timber, the rhythmic ring of a blacksmith’s hammer on hot steel—all amid the snow-covered splendor of a Maine forest. These sights and sounds brought history vividly to life, offering our visitors a true glimpse into the long, cold winters of Maine’s historic lumber camps.
Our 2025 Winter in the Woods event was especially exciting, featuring the first-ever public demonstration of the 1919 Lombard Tractor-Truck—a remarkable piece of mechanical history. We also debuted the 1934 Lombard Tractor-Truck on skis, as it took to the Lombard Road hauling logging sleds for the very first time.
Visitors enjoyed thrilling performances by the Axe Women Loggers of Maine, who showcased both hot saw and traditional crosscut techniques. Byron’s blacksmith shop offered a cozy retreat from the cold, where live forging demonstrations drew curious crowds all day long.
Other highlights included:
- Log-loading demonstrations
- Docent-led tours
- An engaging axe talk
- And of course, smoky, mouthwatering barbecue from the always-popular Smoke & Steel food truck.
We are deeply grateful to everyone—volunteers, demonstrators, and guests—who helped bring this unforgettable event to life. We can’t wait to welcome you back next year for another celebration of Maine’s rich logging heritage!
