Gyppo Logger

Margaret Elley Felt’s autobiographical Gyppo Logger, originally published in 1963, tells a story almost universally overlooked in the history of the logging industry: the emergence of family-based, independent contract or "gyppo" loggers in the post-World War II timber economy, and the crucial role of women within that economy. For seven years Margaret Felt was her husband’s partner in their logging business — driving truck, keeping the wage rolls, and jawboning her way into more credit at the supply stores. Margaret Elley Felt is the author of thirteen books in addition to Gyppo Logger. She has contributed to popular magazines including National Wildlife and Parents Magazine, and was an editor and public information officer for several Washington State agencies.