In the late 70s I went to work for the Murphy Loggin' Company out of Springfield, Oregon. Murphy Loggin' was founded by an Irishman by the name of Peter Murphy. When I was working there Peter Jr. was in charge. Kenny Weber was his Side Rod. I was working on a Big Slack line Washington 208 that was run by Jim Gardapi. The Hooktender was a Logger by the name of Frank Betz.

Frank called me Tonto, cause one time I forgot my caulk boots and I was loggin' in my white Adidas tennis shoes. He use to say; "Tonto". I wanted to say; "Yes Kimosabe". But you don't dare smart off to Frank Betz. Here's what happen to a boy who did.

Back then Murphy had box crummies. Frank drove and his Donkey Puncher rode Shotgun. The Crew rode in a separate compartment. Frank went through a lot of choker setters. And this morning there was a new guy. I don't think he had met Frank yet. He had long blond hair. We told him he ought to put that hair up under his hard hat. He said he didn't care, and he would kick Frank's ass if he gave him any lip. We all just thought RIGHT. We know Frank. Well things were bound to get interesting.

A little later Frank was coming down the hill. "Aw Goldielocks" we all head him yell. The kid yelled something at Frank. Frank just came running down the hill and got to the kid before the riggin' got back. He grabbed him by his family jewels and turned him upside down and slammed him on his head. "We don't need you any more". Frank said to him.

The boy had to walk by us to go catch a truck. I told him; "Boy you really showed him."

Frank is known to be one tough Jose. He was ornery. He was having marital problems. I think his wife was some kind of politician or something. He was as strong as an Ox. He would take hard hats a bend them in two.