In the early 1900s, routes between places like Sayner, Lac du Flambeau, Eagle River, and St. Germain weren't plowed or even tracked. Local men were hired through informal contracts with the U.S. Postal Service. They strapped on bentwood snowshoes, shouldered canvas sacks, and walked routes that stretched up to 30 miles round trip. They followed frozen creeks, logging roads, and telegraph lines. Lodging, if there was any, came in the form of trapper cabins or barn lofts. It was common to pack lard, tea, and a revolver for the journey.