99% Invisible The Wilderness Tool
18 snips
Mar 21, 2023 
Lasha Magdon, a producer with a knack for storytelling, joins trail crew expert Dolly Chapman, who boasts over three decades of experience maintaining trails. They explore the vintage crosscut saw's fascinating history and enduring utility in wilderness preservation. The conversation reveals how these tools signify more than practicality; they reflect America’s evolving relationship with nature. From the impact of the Wilderness Act to the quirky challenges of wilderness maintenance, listeners are treated to a mix of insight and humor.
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Cracker Barrel Saw Hunt
- Park rangers and trail workers annually search for antique crosscut saws, sometimes in unusual places like Cracker Barrel restaurants.
- These saws, often over 100 years old, are highly valued tools for maintaining America's protected lands.
Vintage Saw Preference
- Vintage crosscut saws, typically made between 1880 and 1930, are preferred by trail workers over modern saws and chainsaws.
- This preference goes beyond mere nostalgia and involves the saw's role in shaping America's concept of wilderness.
Evolving Wilderness Concept
- The modern concept of wilderness is a relatively recent development, evolving from a view of it as dangerous and uncivilized.
- This shift occurred during the Industrial Revolution as cities grew and wilderness offered a contrasting escape.