Originally Issued: November 24, 2024 Updated: May 15, 2025

Rebuilding and Relocation of the Cadge Crib at the Algonquin Logging Museum

A cadge crib is a floating wooden raft-like boat built by early loggers to pull booms of logs across lakes. Typically measuring about 9x12 metres (30x40 feet), a cadge crib was powered by one or two horses that used an anchor, long rope, and spinning wooden capstan or spool to winch itself along Algonquin's lakes, allowing the logs in tow to proceed with their journey downstream to market. The Algonquin Logging Museum in Algonquin Park featured an authentic cadge crib, but it isn't there now.

The cadge crib originally built in the early 1990s, and in need of replacement given its severely rotted condition, was dismantled during November 2024. Through the efforts of The Friends of Algonquin Park, the Algonquin Forestry Authority, and community partners, and in cooperation with Ontario Parks, a new cadge crib is coming to the Algonquin Logging Museum in 2025. This new cadge crib will be relocated to the Algonquin Logging Museum pond as many park visitors had difficulty imagining how the former cadge crib operated while sitting on dry land. The new cadge crib will also be constructed to improve authenticity, while utilizing materials and techniques that will allow increased longevity of this important part of Canada's technological history.

The Friends of Algonquin Park would like to thank all partners involved in this project that will help educate Park visitors. This project is part of an ongoing multi-year plan by The Friends of Algonquin Park and the Algonquin Forestry Authority to replace or refurbish structures around the Algonquin Logging Museum. If you would like to support this project, please consider making a charitable donation to The Friends of Algonquin Park.

Images: Rebuilding and Relocating the Cadge Crib

Image: Former cadge crib covered with moss, lichen, and even trees. August 2024.

Image: Dismantling the rotten cadge crib during November 2024. Only metal objects, the horse, and portions of the stable, used by the horses when not working, were in suitable condition for reuse on the new cadge crib.

Image: Site of the former cadge crib. Walls of the stable (shown left) have been saved for reuse. A new cadge crib is coming to the Algonquin Logging Museum in early 2025.

Image: Three NyDock floating docks assembled to build one foundation for the new cadge crib. The nine 24" NyDock HDPE (plastic) pontoons will float the new cadge crib and reduce the amount of wood touching the water, which will reduce rot and extend the lifespan of this exhibit. Early January 2025.

Image: Base of the cadge crib awaiting logs. January 2025.

Image: Cedar logs staged in the Algonquin Logging Museum parking lot for installation on the floating cadge crib base. February 2025.

Image: Fitting and installation the logs on the new cadge crib's base. March 2025.

Image: Stable and capstan (winching spool) assembled on the cadge crib. March 2025.

Image: Cadge crib waiting for open water. March 2025.

Image: The cadge crib floats! The cadge crib floating on the Algonquin Logging Museum pond during April 2025.

Image: All components are now in place. Notice the new stable roof, a refurbished horse, new rope for winching the boat, and a new railing. April 2025.

Image: The completed cadge crib at the Algonquin Logging Museum. May 2025.

More About the Cadge Crib

• For more about the cadge crib please see the Algonquin Logging Museum Trail Guidebook available at most Park facilities or online.
• For more information about the Algonquin Logging Museum see The Loggers of Algonquin or plan a visit.

This rebuilding and relocation of the cadge crib at the Algonquin Logging Museum is authorized under Algonquin Park Work Permit WP-ALG-2024-01. Rebuilding and relocation of this interpretive exhibit is in cooperation with Ontario Parks.

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Related Information

• The Friends of Algonquin Park
• Algonquin Logging Museum