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camboose shanty
Hist.
DCHP-1 (pre-1967)
Entry from the DCHP-1 (pre-1967)
This entry may contain outdated or offensive information, terms, and examples.
a specially designed log bunkhouse used by a gang of loggers.
Quotations
1947
According to Mr. Macnamarra, the name "camboose" was originally the French word "cambuse"--a store-room, and as in so many other cases where French words were used in Canadian lumber camps, its true meaning had been changed because of the new environment. To the lumberman the camboose was the central fireplace in the log shanty, but since this shanty was the place where the cook made the meals, stored some of his provisions, and fed the workers, the French meaning of the word would still apply. The camboose shanty was more than a store-room in the early lumber camps, since this one building served as dining, sleeping, and recreation centre, throughout the winter's bush operations.
1961
The typical camboose shanty that housed 50 to 60 men was a low log building about 35 feet by 40 feet with side walls six feet high and gables about ten feet at the peak.