Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, USA
1882 - Traveled in a Box

A Young Man's Trip from Chippewa Falls to Montreal.

Montreal Star: There arrived at the Hochelaga Depot this morning enroute for Sorel, a queer looking box about six feet long, two wide, and sixteen inches high, fitted with rude handles at each end. In it lay a stout, able-bodied young man, 22 years of age, who had traveled in that cramped position all the way from Chippewa Falls, Wis., having been on the road continuously for three days and three nights. Our reporter gleamed the following particulars with reference to the affair: Baptiste Lavalle left Sorel two years ago and since that time has been working for a lumbering firm in the woods of Wisconsin. A short time ago he sustained a broken leg, and, unable to procure the requisite medical assistance in that wild region, started for home in the manner described. Lavalle gave some particulars in reference to the country. He states that the winter has been a very open one, but little snow having fallen, and that lumbering operations have been somewhat retarded in consequence. Wages for good hands have averaged from $25 to $40 a month, with board. When asked how the passage had affected him, he replied that the jolting of the cars had caused him much suffering. The box will continue its journey at 3 o'clock this afternoon, and Lavalle will receive in his uncle's home at Sorel, the care and attention he has come so far to obtain.

Oshkosh Daily Northwestern
Oshkosh, Wisconsin
May 23, 1882

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