Laundry / Pantry

Behind the scenes at the lodge, a parallel society of local residents worked to create an atmosphere of luxury in the wilderness.

hile the employers and employees at a luxury fishing camp might be viewed as a perfect example of the British television series Upstairs/Downstairs in reflecting social class, those who worked there were probably more concerned with the availability of jobs. Northern New Brunswick at the turn of the century was an economically depressed region and summer work in the kitchen or as maids was eagerly pursued. The days were hard - long hours over a wood stove in the July heat or washing and ironing clothing and bedsheets. Nonetheless, veteran employees looked forward to the return of the "sports" in the spring and some developed lasting friendships with their employer.