By Jennifer Cutlip
Serving with the Woodchopping and Timber Heritage Museum
This project began one day as I was sitting at my desk, looking around the museum. It suddenly struck me—there wasn’t a single mention of women lumber jills in our collection. That moment sparked a deep curiosity and led me to begin researching the role of women in the timber industry.
Along the way, I discovered the Axe Women of Maine, which introduced me to Breanna and Indeana, two producers from Los Angeles who were already working on a related documentary. Around the same time, my supervisor, Alex, mentioned that Arden Cogar Jr.’s wife, Kristy Cogar, was also an accomplished competitor in the sport. And that’s how this project came to life.
Fittingly, my lumber jill display came together just in time for the 60th anniversary of the woodchopping festival in my town Webster Springs. The display, along with my interview, will be featured in the upcoming Lumber jill documentary set to be released next year.
View the full display at the Woodchopping and Timber Heritage Museum, open 8am-4pm Mon-Fry at 145 N Main St in Webster Springs. Read a preview below:
Celebrating the Spirit, Strength, and Stories of Women in Woodchopping
In the dense aftermath of the Great Hurricane of 1938, when the forests of the Northeast lay flattened and the timber industry teetered on collapse, an unexpected force rose to meet the moment. As World War II pulled men from the mills and into the military, a new era of forestry was born—ushered in by women with no prior experience but unshakable grit. These trailblazing women became known as the Women’s Timber Corps, but it was their nickname—the Lumberjills—that would echo through history. Armed with axes and crosscut saws, these women braved snowstorms, biting winds, and grueling labor. They learned to fell trees with precision, operate sawmills, and haul heavy timber through rough terrain. They weren’t just filling jobs; they were redefining the role of women in one of America’s most rugged industries. Their battle cry, "Timber!", was not only a call of triumph but a declaration of empowerment.
Today, that spirit lives on—in forests, in competitions, and in the fierce women who carry on the Lumberjill name.
Rexana McCourt – Living the Forestry Dream in Webster County
Rexana is more than a Forester—she's a force. As Chair of the WV Division of the Society of American Foresters and a Board Member of the Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area, she works to keep West Virginia’s woodlands thriving. From guiding loggers through tough terrain to educating the next generation about forest sustainability, Rexana is proof that forestry is as much about vision as it is about strength. “I’m living the dream,” she says proudly—a dream that began with a scholarship and grew into a lifelong passion.
Kristy Cogar – From Local Roots to World Titles
A Webster County native and 4-time Lumberjill World Champion, Kristy Cogar has swung her axe on stages across more than twenty U.S. states and in international arenas from Europe to Australia. Introduced to timber sports through her now-husband Jamie Cogar—a member of the legendary Cogar family—Kristy became a champion in her own right. She mentors emerging Lumberjills and works with college Woodsmen Teams across Appalachia. Her message? “Get out of your chair and hit something that can’t hit your back.”
Alicia Lentz – Family, Faith, and Fierce Competition
As a member of the famed Lentz family, Alicia Lentz brings legacy and love to the lumberjill world. A teacher by day and timber athlete by heart, Alicia competes alongside her brother Jason and father Melvin—earning national titles in the Jack and Jill events. From playful trash talk to serious training, Alicia treasures the bond timber sports have deepened within her family.
Martha King – The Underdog Who Became a Champion
Told she was too small to succeed; Martha defied every doubt. Now a 3-time National Champion, world record holder, and globe-trotting timber sports professional, she blends athleticism with inner strength. Raised in her family’s tree service business, she honed her skills young and found her stride on Penn State’s woodmen’s team. Competing nearly every weekend, Martha keeps her focus grounded in faith—centering herself with scripture before every show. Her journey is a masterclass in perseverance.
Alissa Wetherbee – The Axe Woman Who Crossed the Mississippi
Founder of Axe Women, 3-time world champion, and the first person to logroll across the Mississippi River, Alissa is both athlete and advocate. She encourages girls to pursue any path—whether it’s in sports or trades—and to never be intimidated by being the only woman in the room. Growing up in Maine, taught by her father, Alissa transformed passion into profession. Today, she leads a team of elite female timber athletes who tour the nation and inspire crowds wherever they go.
Documenting Herstory: The Lumberjill Film Project
This year’s Webster County Woodchopping Festival featured more than sawdust and cheers. We had the privilege of hosting Bre and Indeana, the passionate creators behind a new documentary capturing the lives of modern-day Lumberjills. Their “sizzle reel” played to captivated people inside our local museum, where interviews were filmed and stories shared. They even interviewed me for the documentary. It was a powerful moment—to see these women’s achievements celebrated not only in competition but on screen.
In the photo on the left I am being interview and in the photo on the right was with several of our champion Lumberjills stood shoulder-to-shoulder, their presence a powerful tribute to generations of women who’ve worked, competed, and carved out space in this rugged world.
