AA-2026-B66238
On the image
A man in a quilted jacket and long underwear takes a moment to sweep the wooden stoop of his wilderness tent. This canvas dwelling, labelled "NO 2," appears to be part of an organised camp, perhaps for a remote work crew or a seasonal hunting operation, where even temporary homes receive bureaucratic identifiers.
He is sweeping dirt from an area that is, by definition, surrounded by more dirt. This particular domestic task makes perfect sense to the person performing it, even if its ultimate utility is debatable against the backdrop of an unbroken forest.
The faint wisp of smoke from a nearby stove hints at the warmth carefully cultivated within the canvas walls. He surveys the camera with the quiet confidence of someone who understands the subtle but crucial distinction between "living in the woods" and "living *without* a neatly swept entryway."
The historian's note
This image depicts a wall tent, also known as an outfitter or safari tent, commonly used in remote outdoor settings for extended stays. These structures are typically built on a log or timber frame base, providing insulation and a level floor, making them suitable for wilderness camps in colder climates.
The presence of the 'No 2' designation suggests a multi-unit camp, often found in resource extraction industries like logging or mining, or for guiding operations. The attire and general aesthetic are consistent with working or recreational camps of the 1970s, prioritising warmth and practicality.
Such camps were vital for supporting operations in areas inaccessible to permanent infrastructure, serving as temporary homes for workers or bases for expeditions. They represent a blend of rustic living with a degree of organised comfort necessary for survival and productivity in challenging environments.
Subjects & keywords — each links to a search
Visually related — by likeness
Keeping House in the Wild: Wilderness Camp Tent, 1970s. 1970–1979. Archive & Atlas, Historical Image Library, AA-2026-B66238. https://thearchive.archiveandatlas.com/library/keeping-house-in-the-wild-wilderness-camp-tent-1970s.
@misc{aaAA2026B66238,
title = {Keeping House in the Wild: Wilderness Camp Tent, 1970s},
year = {1970–1979},
howpublished = {Archive \& Atlas, Historical Image Library},
note = {Accession AA-2026-B66238},
url = {https://thearchive.archiveandatlas.com/library/keeping-house-in-the-wild-wilderness-camp-tent-1970s}
}TY - ART TI - Keeping House in the Wild: Wilderness Camp Tent, 1970s PY - 1970–1979 PB - Archive & Atlas, Historical Image Library AN - AA-2026-B66238 UR - https://thearchive.archiveandatlas.com/library/keeping-house-in-the-wild-wilderness-camp-tent-1970s ER -
From the community
Identifications, corrections, and discussion from readers — reviewed by a librarian before appearing here.
Sign in to add an identification, correction, or comment.
No notes yet — be the first to add what you know about this image.