This picture of the Fruitland Irrigation Co. Ditch Camp is from the Washington State digital archives.

The irrigation company was crucial to the survival of the people and livestock in the West. The Spokane Historical Society explained, “The finished ‘irrigation ditch’ was actually a combination of ditches, crossings, and wooden flumes that carried water above ground.” You can read more about this topic in their great article How the West was Watered.

This is a view of the cook tents and crew building at the camp, from Colville River to Daisy.

Washington State Digital Archives, 1907

The picture notes that J. S. Lane was in charge, so I imagine he’s the fellow in the middle of the photograph, with his hands in his pockets.

Detail

If you ever click on the photos in these posts, you’ll see a much larger, more detailed version of each picture.  The toughness of these men is impressive! But I know I wouldn’t be cut out for work at the Fruitland Irrigation Co. Ditch Camp!