Cutting a chair and stool. © Gary Walrath. Taken with Pentax ME super.

Cutting a chair and stool. © Gary Walrath. Taken with Pentax ME super.

Two years ago, I found Gary Walrath‘s set of photos from a 1970s Logging Show at Oregon State Prison. They are so unique they don’t really fit into any recognisable discussion … still.

I have also repeatedly tried to contact Gary about the background to the series. No luck. So, I simply provide a couple of images, a link and some bemusement at the spectacle of axes and chainsaws within prison walls.

Gary is a busy amateur photographer and a seven times chainsaw World Champion, in the Un-limited Hotsaw Class. His weapon? The Iron Horse.

‘The Iron Horse – 90 hp 500cc Husqvarna Motorcycle Engine. Running Oregon 1/2 pitch chain on a 36″ custom made guide bar. The drive sprocket is 16 tooth. Over 8,000 RPM in the cut.’ (Source)

Ronda (she drove the prisoners nuts). © Gary Walrath. Taken with Pentax ME super.

Ronda (she drove the prisoners nuts). © Gary Walrath. Taken with Pentax ME super.