The Woods Were Full of Men

by Irma Lee Emmerson, Jean Muir

In this lively memoir, Irma Lee Emmerson tells the true account of her spontaneous, covert decision to leave the comforts of her sister's San Francisco home to work as a second cook at a logging camp in Coos Bay, Oregon. During this impulsive journey, Irma meets with obstacles and victories that give her insight into her capabilities as never before. After years of rejection from prospective employers and love interests, Irma proves that she can support herself financially and inspire romance.

"The Woods Were Full of Men," not only a tale of one woman's path to self-discovery, provides a firsthand cultural and historical snapshot of 1940s gender roles in addition to a number of regional issues concerning the often stigmatized profession of loggers.

This delightful story has inspired readers since its initial publication in 1963 and is sure to continue to enchant generations to come.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction

250 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1963

Reviews

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book by accident on a university library shelf and was captivated by it.

Not long after the Second World War, Irma Lee Emmerson learned about a cooking job when she overheard a conversation between two loggers in a San Francisco park. She showed up at the logging camp and to her surprise was instantly hired. And instantly put to work feeding a hundred hungry men. Fortunately, she was a quick learner. Have you ever tried to make fifty flapjacks at the same time without burning them?

If you are interested in cooking, or in the history of logging, or in an autobiography that deals with personal growth, you may enjoy this lighthearted book.

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like interesting little snapshots of time like this. It's nothing mind-blowing, but it's a fun little look into a camp of Oregon loggers in the early half of the 20th century.

What sticks with me the most (besides the mention of the occasional horrific injury-- logging is brutal) was the character of "Indian Johnny", who, as you might imagine, was a Native guy (named Johnny). He was one of the many loggers mentioned, but he always seems to be the most fascinating: The most level-headed, the one always jumping forward to handle a crisis. And we never even learn what tribe he was from, because I suppose it didn't matter that much to Irma... or maybe she didn't think it would matter to her readers in the 1960s, when this book was released.

Despite this oversight, there's nothing in this book besides your run-of-the-mill period sexism that would make a modern reader uncomfortable. I think it's worth a read if you happen to find it on the back of a dusty library shelf the way I did.

[Vicki B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful!! A peek into the Oregon logging camps of the ‘50s. As an Oregon logger’s granddaughter, daughter, wife and mother to three logging sons it was especially dear.

[Derek French · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most interesting books I have ever read. Didn't want it to end.

[Rose Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed her witty writing and the obvious fact that she knows and loves Oregon.

[Jeanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a biography of a woman who went to cook in a logging camp near Coos Bay Oregon in the late 1940's. It is surprisingly well-written, and I enjoyed the story a lot. This was published in 1963, and the little romance in it is pretty much implied rather than graphic. I learned a lot about logging practices.

[Loretta · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story of a woman taking a job as a cook in a Coos Bay, Oregon logging camp. Seemed like the times were more simple, but what a hard way to make a living. An enjoyable read.

[Derek French · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most interesting and riveting books I have ever read.