SPRAGUE RIVER - 97639
THE LUMBER
INDUSTRY
1919
November 6, 1919: "Articles of Incorporation have been sent to Salem for the Saddle Mountain Lumber company, capitalized at $50,000 and organized by H. H. Edmonds, Captain J. W. Siemens.
That is a mere statement of facts connected with the incorporation of the first of the companies to be brought into being because of the construction of the Oregon, California and Eastern railroad. While the Siemens-DuFault timber is not included in the assets of the company, it will undoubtedly eventually become a part of the holdings of the company or be a source of supply for the logs needed for the operation.
No decision has been reached as the where the mill is to be located, but if the city had a Chamber of Commerce, it might be in a position to convince the promoters of this enterprise that it would be immensely to the advantage of the enterprise to build close to Klamath Falls, and might even be in a position to submit for consideration several available sites at figures that would justify a purchase by the men whose money is going into the enterprise.
That there are to be many other plants of a similar nature to grow out of the construction of the Strahorn is certain, for there are already several of them in the formation state. It will be unfortunate if these are permitted to be located out in the timber instead of close to the city, where the full benefit of the development will accrue to Klamath Falls." (The Evening Herald)
November 15, 1919: "WANTED---Bids for moving my sawmill outfit, consisting of 2 boilers, engines, and mill machinery from present location near Olene to Sprague River near Yainax. To be done at once while weather is favorable. See H. H. Edmonds." (The Evening Herald)
December 13, 1919: "Teams wanted---To haul sawmill boilers and machinery from near Olene to two and a half miles below Yainax, on Sprague River. Good sleighing. Good pay. H. H. Edmonds." (The Evening Herald)
1920
January 13, 1920: "H. H. Edmonds has let the contract for moving his mill from near Olene to Sprague River to the City Transfer Company. They are taking advantage of the good condition of the roads and have already moved a large part of the heaviest machinery. If the weather continues clear, the work will be completed in another week." (The Evening Herald)
February 2, 1920: The H.H. Edmonds sawmill, which was moved from Olene at the close of last season, is now established on Sprague river, three miles below Yainax. The mill will be operated hereafter under the name of the Saddle Mountain Lumber company.
The Saddle Mountain Lumber company is planning to start building of a large new mill at Sprague river next spring. When completed the plant will have a capacity of 100,000 foot daily." (The Evening Herald)
February 8, 1920: "The sawmill of H.H. Edmonds in Klamath county has been moved from Olene to Sprague river. The mill is to be enlarged to a daily capacity of 100,000 feet." (The Oregon Daily Journal)
February 21, 1920: "The Saddle Mountain Lumber Co., of Klamath Falls, Ore., which was incorporated not long ago for $50,000. will operate this year on the Sprague River adjoining the Strahorn Railroad. The mill is being moved from twelve miles south of Klamath Falls to its new location and will be ready to operate by not later than May 1, and it will cut about 5,000,000 during the season. The officers of the Saddle Mountain Lumber Co. are: J. W. Siemens, President; H. H. Edmonds, secretary-treasure and manager and Lucinda Siemens, vice-president. Capt. J. W. Siemens, president of the company, is also president of the First State & Savings Bank of Klamath Falls and is one of its pioneer citizens. He says that the outlook for timber and lumber has never been better in the Klamath region owing to the the extension of the Strahorn Railroad into the timber, making it possible to open up new operations." (American Lumberman)
March 8, 1920: "The Saddle Mountain Lumber company, the first concern to establish a mill in the Sprague river district, has opened administrative offices here. Work on the mill is well under way. When completed the plant will have a capacity of 100,000 feet daily. Steel has been ordered for the construction of five miles of logging road.
H. H. Edmonds, general manager, will have charge of the local offices. He has been joined by his son, E.M. Edmonds of Eureka, Cal., who will be his assistant." (Morning Oregonian)
March 9, 1920: "Work has begun on the first sawmill in the Sprague river district, Klamath county. The mill have a capacity of 100,000 feet daily." (The Oregon Daily Journal)
March 9, 1920: "Offices have been opened in this city by Saddle Mountain Lumber company, the first to build a sawmill in the Sprague river section.
Rapid progress is being made on the building of the mill, which will have a capacity of 100,000 feet of lumber a day. Steel has been ordered for five miles of logging road." (Sacramento Union)
April 8, 1920: "H. H. Edmonds has two freight teams busy hauling the balance of his mill to his new millsite on Sprague River." (The Evening Herald)
April 14, 1920: "H.H. Edmonds, of the Saddle Mountain Lumber company today purchased a three and one half-ton Mack truck and a five-ton Universal trailer from J. H. Garrett & Son, to be used in logging operations of trhe company this season." (The Evening Herald)
April 27, 1920: "H. H. Edmond's new Mack truck made its first trip through Wednesday. At present the roads are too soft to go over the mountains, but later Mr. Edmonds expects to do considerable hauling from Klamath Falls to his new mill on the Sprague river." (The Evening Herald)
April 1920: "The Saddle Mountain Lumber Co., Yreka, Cal., with headquarters at Klamath Falls, Ore., is erecting a sawmill at Yainax, 30 miles out of Klamath Falls on Sprague river in Klamath county. The company has acquired a tract of timber adjacent to the site and the mill will be of 100,000 feet capacity." (The Timberman)
July 26, 1920: "The Saddle Mountain Lumber company will start sawing lumber by September 1, said H. H. Edmonds to a Herald representative Saturday evening. Mr. Edmonds is now at the mill on the Sprague river directing the activities of the large force of men who are rushing work on the construction of buildings and logging a big supply of timber for the opening.
Nine millwrights are busy on the mill and machinery. The logging crew is piling up logs at the rate of 50,000 feet daily. Steel is being laid on the Strahorn road at a rapid rate, Mr. Edmonds also reports, and it is hoped that by the time the mill is running that the means of transportation will be finished." (The Evening Herald)
August 1920: "Saddle Mountain Lumber Co., of Klamath Falls, is erecting a mill at the junction of Sprague River and the Strahorn Railroad. Captain Seamans, president of the First State and Savings Bank, Klamath Falls, is president. H. H. Edmonds is manager, and H. M. Edmonds secretary-treasurer. Hill Hunter is building the mill. The design of the mill is for a double band mill. A circular rig is being installed temporarily. It is expected to start the mill about September 1. The logging is being done with two 3 1/2-ton Mack trucks and five ton Universal trailers, average haul about one and one-half miles." (The Timberman)
September 7, 1920: "H. H. Edmonds, prominent lumberman, died suddenly Monday night from heart trouble while attending a local prize fight. Edmonds was interested in the Edmonds Lumber company and the Saddle Mountain Lumber company. His wife and son, H. M. Edmonds, survive." (The Oregon Daily Journal)
September 27, 1920: "NOTICE TO CREDITORS
IN THE COUNTY COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR KLAMATH COUNTY, In the matter of the estate of H. H. EDMONDS, deceased.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed administratix of the estate of H. H. Edmonds, deceased, by the above entitled court, and all persons having claims against the said estate are required to present same, with the proper vouchers, to the undersigned at the office of her attorney, H. M. Manning, in the Loomis building, Klamath Falls, Oregon, within six months from the date of this notice.
Dated September 27, 1920.
MINA EDMONDS.
Administratix of the Estate of H. H. Edmonds, deceased." (The Evening Herald)
October 13, 1920: "The Saddle Mountain Lumber company's mill at Sprague river has been operating for several days, cutting 300,000 feet of limber for completing mill construction and for bunk houses, cottages and other buildings. This is another mill that was started in the spring. It is considered unlikely that they will saw much lumber for commercial purposes before the first of the year, but the plant has a million and a half feet of logs on hand to keep it running.
The Saddle Mountain mill also has a daily capacity of about 45,000 feet." (The Evening Herald)
December 6, 1920: "The Saddle Mountain Lumber company's mill at Sprague River, which has not started cutting commercial timber yet." (The Evening Herald)
December 10, 1920: "One of the latest mills is that of the Saddle Mountain Lumber company. The president of this concern is Captain Seamans, head of the First State and Savings bank of this city. A circular rig has been installed, but the design is eventually for a double band mill. The plant is at the junction of Sprague river and the Strahorn railroad." (Morning Oregonian)
1921
1922
July 19, 1922: "Suit for the collection of $18,765.60 on a note executed Jan. 25, 1921, was filed in the circuit court by F. Hill Hunter against the Saddle Mountain Lumber company, the First State & Savings bank by F. C. Bramwell and J.W. Siemens. The note is secured by mortgage on 155 acres of land in Sec. 11, Town. 36, S.R. 10E, W.M., a sawmill and other equipment. Attorney fees of $1500 asked." (The Evening Herald)
1923
May 11, 1923: "The townsite embraces 300 acres of level land. Within sight of the townsite is the sawmill of the Saddle Mountain Lumber Co., a Siemens corporation now involved in the First State & Savings bank litigation. The mill is ready to run and there is 1,000,000 feet of logs in the river. A mile or two further west Wm. Sharp, formerly of Wisconsin, is establishing a sawmill. He has four carloads of machinery on the way and will be manufacturing lumber by the time transportation is available." (The Evening Herald)
June 26, 1923: "At Sprague river two sawmills, one soon to be completed by Sharp & Schmidt, backed by Cullers & Bowles of the Northwest Bridge & Iron works, Portland, and the other owned by the Saddle Mountain Lumber company." (The Evening Herald)
September 17, 1923: "The Sprague River White Pine mill located in the Sprague River valley at the terminus of the Strahorn railroad is nearing completion. The usual griefs and delays have held up the time planned for erection, a few days, but aside from that everything is working.
The mill is a band saw mill with a capacity of 50,000 feet a day, according to Schmidt, one of the operators.
During the construction period the company has been steadily logging and now 3,000,000 feet of lumber awaiting the saw. It is hoped that the mill will be operated throughout the winter despite the snow." (The Evening Herald)
November 5, 1923: "Frank Coburn versus Sprague River White Pine Mills for the recovery of $1341.30 alleged due him for goods purchased by the mill and not paid for. In addition the complaint prays for 6 per cent interest on the amount from September 30, 1923, and all costs and disbursements." (The Evening Herald)
November 16, 1923: "Sprague White Pine mills, Yainax, is constructing a single band mill." (The Klamath News)
1924
July 22, 1924: "In a judgment signed yesterday afternoon by Circuit Judge A. L. Leavitt, the Lorenz company of Klamath Falls was given judgment against the Sprague River White Pine mills for $835 plus interest and costs of the suit." (The Evening Herald)
August 21, 1924: "The Sprague River White Pine mill start operation in the near future. Sprague river citizens declare. The logs for the mill will be cut from a timber unit on the wooded hills sloping down into the Sprague river valley and floated down the Sprague river to the mill which lies adjacent to the railroad a half mile from the town." (The Evening Herald)
August 28, 1924: "Sale of the Sprague River White Pine mill at the terminus of the Oregon, California and Eastern railroad 40 miles east of this city (Klamath Falls) to Mr. Edgerton of Grants Pass was announced today. The transfer of the mill from Joseph Bowles, original owner, to Mr. Edgerton took place this week. The purchase price is said to be approximately $40,000.
By next week, according to advices from Sprague river, the mill will be operating. The eight hour shift capacity production is 40,000 feet. One and a half million feet of logs are in the Sprague river adjacent to the mill site, ready for manufacture. The mill company owns between five and six million feet of Pine timber near Sprague river. About 20 men will be employed.
Joseph Bowles, a Portland capitalist and others, erected the mill in the summer of 1923. Due, it is said, never started operation.
The mill site abuts onto the O.C. & E. railroad right of way 200 yards from the terminus of the road and a half mile from the townsite of Sprague river." (The Evening Herald)
September 4, 1924: "The Sprague River White Pine sawmill, located in the Sprague River valley, north terminus of the Strahorn railroad, was sold to J. M. Edgerton of Grants Pass for approximately $40,000." (Aurora Observer)
September 6, 1924: "Sprague River White Pine Mill at the terminus of the Oregon-California and Eastern Railroad, 40 miles east of Klamath Falls, Ore., has been sold to R. Egerton of Grants Pass. The mill was erected in 1923 by a syndicate headed by Joseph Bowles, Portland financier. It was never operated. Included in the sale is a tract of white pine timber totaling about six million feet. The new owner will begin operations at once. The mill, which has a capacity of about 40,000 feet daily, will employ twenty men. One and one-half million feet of logs are now in the Sprague River, adjacent to the mill site, ready for manufacture." (Building and Engineering News)
September 9, 1924: "Miss Mae Reynolds drove in from Tennent a few days ago. She has accepted the job as cook for the Sprague White Pine mill." (The Evening Herald)
September 16, 1924: >"The Pine Logging company shipped three car loads of logs the first of the week. They are shipping to the Boy Scout mill at Klamath Falls."
>"H. Edgerton, from Grants Pass, accompanied by his two sons and A. Wing arrived in town Friday. Edgerton is interested in the Sprague White Pine mill." (The Klamath News)
September 19, 1924: "By the first of next week, saws will be whirring at the Sprague River White Pine mill, according to word received here today from Sprague River where the plant is located.
Recently, the mill, formerly owned by Jo. Bowles of Portland, was purchased by Edgerton & Adams, a lumber firm of Grants Pass. Approximately 20 men will be employed at the plant.
In Sprague River, adjacent to the mill, are several hundred thousand feet of lumber in log form. It is planned to manufacture this supply this fall.
The little settlement of Sprague River at the terminus of the O. C. & E. railroad has received a decided impetus since the transfer of the mill from Bowles to the Grants Pass lumber men took place. Several houses are in process of construction and the workmen at the mill will reside in Sprague River." (The Evening Herald)
September 26, 1924: "Operations will begin Monday at the white pine mill on Sprague river, about 40 miles east of Klamath Falls. This mill, which has remained idle for several years, was recently purchased by Edgerton & Adams of Grants Pass from J. Bowles of Portland. Approximately 20 men will be employed this winter cutting nearly 1,000,000 feet of timber now in the mill pond." (Morning Register)
October 4, 1924: "Several of the local people visited the Sprague White Pine mill last week and witnessed the sawing of the first lumber. They started sawing the logs put into the river four years ago by the Saddle Mountain Lumber company. The lumber came out in excellent condition. The Saddle Mountain Lumber company had about 1,000,000 feet of logs in the river which they sold to the Sprague White Pine mill." (The Klamath News)
1925
January 21, 1925: "Eastern capital was successful this afternoon in bidding for the Cherry Creek reservation timber unit in the eastern part of the county. The high bid was submitted by the Campbell Lumber company of Oshkosh, Wis., with an offer of $6.11 a thousand feet.
The bids were opened this afternoon by Fred A. Baker at Klamath Agency. Eight bidders submitted offers for the unit, four of which were from Klamath lumber concerns." (The Evening Herald)
January 24, 1925: "E. Towle and W. J. Campbell, comprising the Campbell-Towle Lumber company, successful bidders on the Cherry creek reservation timber unit, left this morning for their home in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, without having exorcised options on two small lumber mills in the eastern part of the county.
One option, it is known, was held on the Sprague River White Pine mills of Sprague River, owned by Edgerton and Adams of Grants Pass. It is also known that Mr. Towle and Mr. Campbell had approached the interests controlling the Saddle Mountain Lumber company, 40 miles east of Klamath Falls." (The Evening Herald)
January 31, 1925: "[Indian Office file No. 55767-24]
Klamath Indian Reservation, Cherry Creek logging unit. Advertised November 8, 1924. Bids opened January 21, 1925. Bid accepted January 31, 1925. Contract signed February 16, 1925. Contract approved April 14, 1925. Name of purchaser, Campbell-Towle Lumber Co. Assigned to Lorenz Lumber Co. July 1, 1929. Contract expires March 31, 1932. Amount of bond, $6,000. Surety, Maryland Casualty Co. Period of years, 5. Approved April 14, 1925. Bond expires February 16, 1930. Yearly cut, 5,000,000 feet. Advance deposits, $3,000. Estimated stand of timber, 37,000,000 feet. Estimated value of timber, $165,000." (Survey of Conditions of Indians in United States. - Page 5214)
March 9, 1925: "A deal will be completed in a few days whereby the Campbell-Towle Lumber company of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, will take over the saw mill plant of Edgerton and Adams near Yanaix. Edgerton and Adams had contracted to cut eight million feet of lumber during the coming season for the Campbell-Towle people, from the Campbell-Towle Cherry Creek holdings, but the company has taken over the mill and will handle its own lumber.
The Campbell-Towle company is a corporation formed of shareholders of the W. J. Campbell Lumber company for the handling of the Cherry Creek holdings of the W. J. Campbell Lumber company. The W. J. Campbell Lumber company, besides being one of the largest distributors of lumber, operates a hardwood mill near Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and a pine mill at Priest River, Idaho.
There has been considerable interest among lumbermen here as to whether or not Campbell-Towle would operate here this season since the visit of W. J. Campbell and Delwin Towle last January. No authentic announcement had been made up to last night, however.
W. C. Mattson, who has represented the W. J. Campbell company in this section for several years, will manage the Campbell-Towle enterprise in addition to his regular duties.
The sawmill itself is equipped with a six foot band head rig and shotgun feed, and has a capacity of fifty thousand feet per shift. The mill was originally built by the Sprague White Pine Mills Co., from whom Edgerton and Adams acquired it.
The mill will probably be in operation about April first, according to Mattson." (The Evening Herald)
March 23, 1925: "Repair work is progressing rapidly at the Campbell-Towle mill on Sprague river. The mill will commence operations next Monday." (The Evening Herald)
March 30, 1925: >"The sawmill of the Campbell-Towle Lumber company on Sprague river will start operation between the middle and latter part of this week, according to Manager W.C. Mattson. The company planned to start its mill today, but repairs which had been ordered did not arrive, necessitating a few days delay.
The mill has been completely overhauled, and about a million and a quarter feet of logs are in the pond.
A dining hall is under construction this week. A full logging force will start in the woods at the same time that the mill commences operation."
>"Scott Rose, who has been assisting in the overhauling of the Campbell-Towle mill on Sprague river, has left for Sisson, where his family located." (The Evening Herald)
April 3, 1925: "The Sprague River White Pine Lumber company has changed hands, and the Cambell Towell Lumber company has taken charge and they will be running soon. We welcome such firms to our town." "E. E. Holland, mill foreman for the Camel-Towle Lumber company spent Sunday in Klamath Falls, while on his way back had the misfortune to wreck the radiator on his car." (The Klamath News)
April 6, 1925: "The Campbell-Towle mill, which was expected to start last Wednesday, did not get under way until this morning. Largely because of influenza among the crew. Scott Rose, Bill Doerr, and Bill Hoerr, all millwrights, were under the weather with influenza during the week, and several other members of the crew were ill one or more days." & "The last shipment of machinery, consisting of blocks, pulleys, and shafting arrived at the Campbell-Towle mill Thursday." (The Evening Herald)
April 9, 1925: "The Campbell Lumber Co. has completed their well this week at a depth of 50 feet." "Reynolds Bros. have been awarded the contract of logging off the timber on the mill site and have started work. The first log delivered scaled 4000 feet." (The Klamath News)
April 13, 1925: "Earl Hamaker, well known Klamath lumberman, made atrip to Campbell-Towle's mill on Sprague river Tuesday. Logging activities are in full swing along the Strahorn, according to Hamaker." (The Evening Herald)
April 18, 1925: "This Indenture Witnesseth, That A. L. Edgerton and Grace G. Edgerton, his wife for the consideration of the sum of Ten Dollars and other valuable consideration to them paid they have bargained and sold and by these present do grant, bargain, sell and convey unto Campbell-Towle Lumber Company, an Oregon Corporation, the following described premises, to-wit:
The Southeast Quarter of Section 10, Township 36, South of Range 10 East of the Willamette Meridian, in Klamath County, Oregon, except the following described tract: Commencing at a point where the West Boundary line of the County road intersects the North Boundary line of the above described tract, which point is approximately 30 feet West of the Northeast corner of the Southeast Quarter of said Section 10; thence West 10 rods, thence 30 rods, thence Southeasterly a distance of 10.82 rods to the Western Boundary line of said County road, thence North along the Western Boundary line of said County road a distance of 34 rods to the place of beginning.
Together with all and singular the tenenents, hereditaments and appurtenances thereunto belonging or in anywise appertaining.
To Have and To Hold the above described and granted premises, unto the said Campbell-Towle Lumber Company, an Oregon corporation, it successors, and assigns forever. And the said A. L. Edgerton and Grace G. Edgerton his wife, do hereby covenant to and with the said Campbell-Towle Lumber Company, an Oregon corporation, its successors, and assigns, that they are the owners in fee simple of sold premises, that they are free from all encumbrances and that they will warrant and defend the same from all lawful claims whatsoever.
In Witness Whereof, they have hereunto set their hands and souls this 18th day of April, 1925. Signed." (Klamath County Clerks Office Records)
April 20, 1925: "Wall street plungers have nothing on W.J. Mattson, manager of the Campbell-Towle Lumber company, Mattson recently entered into contract with a rancher living in the neighborhood of the Campbell-Towle mill to feed a large sow with the slops from the cookhouse, and to divide any increase that might ensue.
Delwin Towle and Edw. W. Koehn declare that this venture into the livestock business was entirely without their knowledge, and that they are withholding sanction until the results of the venture can be counted. They declare that this is the first venture that the Campbell-Towle has made in the livestock business." (The Evening Herald)
April 25, 1925: "The mill at Sprague River is now cutting about 35,000 board feet a day." (The Evening Herald)
April 27, 1925: "The Sprague river, is higher at the present time than it has been in several years, and is overflowing into the lumber yard of the Campbell-Towle Lumber company. The Sprague River mill of the Oshkosh Timber company, however, shut down before the beginning of the bad weather, and will be down for an indefinite period." (The Evening Herald)
May 6, 1925: "The Edgerton & Adams sawmill on the upper Sprague river in Klamath county has been sold to W. J. Campbell and Delwin Towle of Oshkosh, Wis. The consideration is said to have been $50,000." (The Eugene Guard)
May 7, 1925: "The Campbell Towle Lumber company has begun building their cottages for the married employes. They are very nice, and one is complete." (The Klamath News)
May 14, 1925: "Mr. Puckett, who has the contract of logging for the Campbell Lumber Co. is on the job and logs are arriving daily." (The Klamath News)
May 14, 1925: "For the sum of $6000, the First States & Savings bank, defunct, has purchased the Saddle Mountain Lumber company, 40 miles east of Klamath Falls, it was announced today by the sheriff's office.
The bankrupt bank, through the state banking department, was forced to protect mortgages held against the mill. When the mortgages were foreclosed, the bank bid in on the holdings, and so far the first time, came into absolute ownership of the mill property. Three mortgages are held against the Saddle Mountain Lumber company, one for $27,000, one for $17,000 and a third for $10,000.
The public sale of the mill, did not include timber holdings of the company. These will be sold at another foreclosure sale in the near future it was said." (The Evening Herald)
May 21, 1925: "The Saddle Mountain mill sold under the hammer last week. The highest bidder was Mr. Campbell of Klamath Falls, and the bid was $6,000." (The Klamath News)
May 27, 1925: "The mill was closed Wednesday on account of the heavy rains, which fell Tuesday night and Wednesday." "The new cook at the mess hall is giving excellent service. The gentleman succeeds Miss May Reynolds." (The Klamath News)
May 28, 1925: "Miss May Reynolds who has had charge of the cook house at the Campbell-Towle Lumber Co. has left. A man cook has taken her place." (The Evening Herald)
June 17, 1925: "Ora Storey, sawyer for the Campbell-Towle mill on Sprague river, visited friends in Klamath Falls over the week-end." (The Evening Herald)
June 24, 1925: "Messrs. Smith and Barkley have started construction of their planing mill."
"We are glad to have Mr. Smith with us again, Mr. Smith has the contract for loading logs on the cars that are to be shipped to Klamath Falls." (The Evening Herald)
June 30, 1925: "The Campbell Lumber Co. is building a siding at their mill and it will be completed this week." (The Evening Herald)
June 30, 1925: "The logs are being driven from Patens camp to Sprague River to be loaded on cars for Klamath Falls. Mr. Smith and Mr. Simpson have the contract for driving and loading. They will be loaded on the Saddle Mountain siding."
"Mr. Barkley has his planing mill in operation and is finishing the lumber for Frank Coburn's house." (The Evening Herald)
July 28, 1925: "The Campbell-Towle Lumber Co. has a planer running and shipment of lumber has started. It is reported that ten carloads will be shipped at once." (The Evening Herald)
August 4, 1925: "We are informed that the Camell Lumber Co., which is operating a mill at this place will soon build ten more cottages for their employes." (The Evening Herald)
August 5, 1925: "Only two outfits in this section are driving their logs down a river, and by no stretch of the imagination can that river be called swift.
The Campbell-Towle Lumber company and the Bray Lumber company both utilize Sprague River to some extent, on tracts now being logged close to the water, but in a year or so even this will be done away with. Railroads and auto trucks have done much to abolish the practice of river driving and even Marble Creek, in Idaho, that used to carry millions of feet of logs annually, is now but little used." (The Evening Herald)
September 9, 1925: "The Campbell-Towle mill and camp on Sprague river will operate as late this season as weather conditions will permit was the declaration Tuesday of W. C. Mattson, local manager of the company.
The company is now cutting about 47,000 feet daily, and at present is shipping from three to four cars per day. There is now about 4,000,000 feet in the yards.
In logging, the company uses a fleet of trucks and also some logs hauled by the Strahorn railroad." (The Evening Herald)
September 16, 1925: "Sale of the Saddle Mountain Lumber company mill and six million feet of choice timber for a consideration reported to be $37,500 was announced this morning by A. R. Campbell, deputy state superintendent of banks, when the first payment on the mill was made.
The mill and timber were included among the assets of the First State and Savings bank, defunct, and were sold by Mr. Campbell, who is in charge of liquidation of assets of the defunct institution.
The Campbell-Towle concern will take immediate possession of the new mill and will institute repairs which will take immediate possession of the new mill and will institute repairs which require expenditure of approximately $25,000.
The Saddle Mountain Lumber company mill was built four years ago by H. H. Edmonds and John W. Siemens, Sr. The mill was constructed on the promise of Robert E. Strahorn that his road would be built to Sprague river immediately. Time passed and the road was not extended. Unable to manufacture lumber and through the profits gained thereby, meet their obligations, Siemens and Edmonds were forced to mortgage the holdings. Eventually the bank came in control of the concern and when it closed its doors the Saddle Mountain Lumber company was included among the assets.
The six million feet of timber is among the choicest of the eastern Klamath stand, according to lumbermen. It is located adjacent to the mill and will undoubtedly be utilized when the mill starts to operate.
The mill has a capacity of 50,000 feet per shift. It is located at the terminus of the Strahorn railroad in Sprague River valley, 40 miles east of Klamath Falls.
It would not be put into operation until either next spring or next summer. W, C. Mattson, manager of the Campbell-Towle interests in Klamath said today. Necessary repairs and overhauling of machinery will require considerable time to complete.
The Saddle Mountain mill site is but a quarter of a mile from the Campbell-Towle Lumber company mill which is now in operation.
Delwin Towle, one of the owners, is on his way to Klamath Falls to determine what he will do with his new holdings.
Since the bank closed it doors there have been numerous negotiations for the small mill. Owing to the fact that the title was involved, not one of the negotiating lumber concerns would take the chance of purchasing the mill until a clear title could be shown.
The original investment in the mill is reported to be $140,000." (The Evening Herald)
September 17, 1925: "Thirty-seven thousand five-hundred dollars is reported to be the consideration involved in the sale of the Saddle Mountain Lumber company mill and 6,000,000 feet of timber yesterday.
The mill and the timber were included among the assets of the First State & Savings bank, defunct, and were sold to A.R. Campbell, deputy state superintendent of banks, who is in charge of liquidation of assets of the banks.
The Saddle Mountain Lumber Co. mill was built four years ago by H. H. Edmonds and John W. Siemen's, Sr.
The Campbell Towle Lumber company will take immediate possession of the mill." (The Klamath News)
September 30, 1925: "Closely following on the heels of the announcement that the Campbell-Towle Lumber company has completed negotiations for the purchase of the Saddle Mountain holdings, plans for the immediate construction of a remanufacturing plant adjacent to the sawmill site on Sprague river have been announced by officials of the company.
Construction is to begin at once and the plant is expected to be ready for the installation of machinery within 60 days.
Machinery will be operated by a steam power plant. Equipment throughout will be supplied by the P. B. Yates Machinery company, and will include a 30-inch matcher and high-speed planer, resaw, self-feeding rip and cut-off saw." (The Evening Herald)
November 20, 1925: "The Campbell Lumber company at this place has built a number of cottages for their employes, they have about twenty completed at this time." The Campbell Lumber company is installing a planer at their plant and will soon be ready to finish lumber here at their local plant." "Mr. Larkie, who was one of the firm of the Patton Logging company, has bought out Patton and is operating the logging business at this place. Mr. Larkie is logging for the Campbell Lumber company." (The Evening Herald)
November 25, 1925: "Mr. Tarter, who is employed at the Campbell-Towle Lumber company at this place had the misfortune to get hurt one day last week by a piece of timber striking him on the head. He was taken to the doctor, but the wound was not serious." (The Evening Herald)
December 26, 1925: "The Campbell-Towle Lumber Co. closed down their plant here last Friday. They will start again as soon as repairs are completed." (The Evening Herald)
1926
January 8, 1926: "The logging industry has been retarded somewhat on account of the roads, but an army of men are here ready to work what weather will permit." (The Evening Herald)
January 18, 1926: "The mill at this place will start on or about January 20 if every thing works out as planned." (The Evening Herald)
February 3, 1926: "The Campbell-Towle Lumber company is sinking a well at the mill." (The Evening Herald)
February 5, 1926: "W. L. Clark, employed by the Campbell Towle Lumber company, sustained painful injuries in the leg yesterday when he slipped and a cant-hook pierced his limb at the knee cap. Although he was not seriously injured, he was brought to Klamath Falls late yesterday afternoon for treatment at the Klamath General hospital.
The Campbell Towle mill is located 40 miles east of Klamath Falls, at the terminus of the Oregon, California and Eastern railroad." (The Evening Herald)
February 28, 1926: "Sale of a 320 acre tract of timber was recorded Friday in the county clerk's office showing purchase by the Campbell-Towle Lumber company of Sprague River from the Gladstone Land & Timber company. The land is located eight miles southeast of Bly and brought a consideration of $12,000." (The Klamath News)
March 4, 1926: "The Campbell-Towle Lumber Co. at this place has its planer going. This is quite an asset to the plant." (The Evening Herald)
April 16, 1926: "Campbell-Towle Lumber Co., is running two shifts at their mill, and it is reported the planing mill will start two shifts soon." (The Evening Herald)
April 22, 1926: "Mr. Deacon and Mr. Davis have given the mill on the Campbell-Towle Lumber company an inside coat of paint." (The Klamath News)
May 6, 1926: "The Campbell-Towle Lumber Co., has started a night shift in the planer." (The Evening Herald)
May 14, 1926: "The planer at the Campbell-Towle Lumber Co. began its double shift last week, employing several more men and turning out some fine grade lumber." (The Chiloquin Review)
May 18, 1926: "Merle Schwerdfried, aged 25, dogger for the Campbell-Towle Lumber company, at Sprague River, was killed shortly before eight o'clock this morning beneath the carriage wheels when he jumped to escape contact with the saw which had jumped from the pulley.
When the saw jumped the pulley it tore loose a small piece of board which fell between the levers in the sawyer's cage which control the nigger and the carriage, respectively.
Schwerdfied, in his leap from the carriage, struck a post and fell dazed to the track in the rear of the carriage.
Sawyer Storer tried to stop the carriage in its backward trip but found his efforts blocked by the board. In a flash, with throttle wide open, the carriage passed over the prostrate body of Schwerdfeid.
The accident happened at 7:25 this morning and Schwerdfried died shortly before 8:00 o'clock.
Coroner Earl Whitlock left early this morning for the scene of the fatality.
Schwerdfried had been employed by the company for more than a year and was thoroughly experienced. Despite the seriousness of his injury Schwerdfried was conscious up to to moment of his death." (The Evening Herald)
August 3, 1926: FOR SALE
Located at Sprague River, Klamath Falls, Ore.
1-11x14 inch Ames Engine
1-Diamond Carriage--New 3; 60 in. blocks (no set works) 60 track--New Heavy construction.
1-Saw Husk 3 1/2 in. Arbor, 2 inch eye top and bottom drive pulley.
1-Set live rolls.
1-Bull chain with haul up drive complete, Diamond make, heavy construction, about 220 ft. and drive.
1-Edger.
1-Twin Engine Feed, 8x10.
3-Circular Saws, 60 inch, inserted tooth, 6 gauge in eye, 7 gauge on rim.
1-48 inch Top Saw.
400 ft. 7 inch Slab Conveyor, long link.
Campbell-Towle Lbr. Co. Sprague River, Oregon (The Klamath News)
October 10, 1926: "The Campbell-Towle Lumber company's clubhouse was officially opened Saturday, October 2, the mill community club giving a dance therein." (The Klamath News)
November 9, 1926: "Campbell-Towle Lumber company will build a logging dam in Sprague river." (The News-Review)
December 3, 1926: "The new log-pond dam recently completed by the Campbell-Towle company is withstanding the weight of the heavy volume of water and since the river has left its banks, company officials have no further fears that the dam will go out.
One danger of the high water is said to be in threatened breaking of a big log boom that is holding company timber below the mill. A broken boom would mean scattering of considerable valuable pine logs about the countryside, it is feared." (The Klamath News)
1927
February 9, 1927: "To take advantage of the high water, the Campbell-Towell Lumber company operating at Sprague River, is arranging to start a spring log drive. High water in November, coupled with a release of the water behind the Pankey dam, left several thousand feet of the big timber high and dry above the high water line.
The drive crew, it was stated, will work the banks of the stream and let the stranded logs ride down to the mill pond on the high flood tide." (The Klamath News)
March 7, 1927: "A party from the Campbell Towle Lumber Company of Sprague River passed through Hildebrand recently en route for Klamath Falls. Leaving Sprague at 9 a.m. they arrived at Hildebrand at 5 p.m. and also had the misfortune to get stuck in the Hildebrand district. They hired a team to pull them out of the mud hole." (The Evening Herald)
March 8, 1927: "The Campbell-Towle Lumber company of Sprague River, one of the leading lumber operators of the county, started its big sawmill for the season's run yesterday, according to a long distance communication with W. C. Matson, superintendent.
The company is running a day shift only and working about 40 in the mill, Matson stated. Campbell-Towle expects to run a light cut of about 55,000 feet daily, it was stated, and unless the lumber market acquires a better tone the present scale of operation will be maintained throughout the summer.
This company has been closed down since last October. Logging for Campbell-Towle will not start for several weeks, Matson stated. Deep snow in the woods is partly accountable for the later resumption of logging activities." (The Klamath News)
March 9, 1927: "The Campbell-Towle mill started yesterday with the day shift. There has been a crew of men on the river for three weeks driving the logs down during the high water." (The Klamath News)
May 3, 1927: "Campbell-Towle Lumber company will start a new barn for their teams the first of next week. It will be one of the most up-to-date barns in the county. The hay mow will be in the second story. The barn will be 32 feet wide and 66 feet long. Mr. Elmer Smith, the new manager, is making many much needed improvements. He has had the office remodeled, the dining room and kitchen rebuilt and placed about 2000 feet of new sidewalk throughout the camp." (The Klamath News)
May 4, 1927: "Campbell-Towle is at present cutting 50,000 feet a day with the majority of the lumber shipped east, some to California, and a vast quantity to Texas and other far southern states where pine is in demand.
The mill and planer mill of the Sprague river concern, is running 100 percent although there has been but little activities in the woods. The woods camps will open up, however, within the next 40 or 50 men will be employed in cutting and slashing.
Edward E. Everts, formerly with the Peninsula Lumber company of Portland, has recently arrived at Sprague river to assume the duties of office manager." (The Klamath News)
May 6, 1927: Byron Butler, former resident of Ladysmith, Wisconsin, has arrived in Klamath Falls to take up his duties as office assistant to Edward E. Everts at Campbell-Towle Lumber company mill on Sprague River. Butler took up his work Saturday and thus far appears pleased with the mountains of the west." (The Klamath News)
June 16, 1927: "Mrs. Elmer B. Smith and daughter Berdean of Ladysmith, Wis., have arrived in Klamath county and will make their future home at Sprague River where Mr. Smith is manager of the Campbell-Towle lumber company." (The Evening Herald)
October 9, 1927: "Sunday school resumed services at the club house of the Campbell-Towle Lumber company, after being closed down for a few weeks." "While working on the log drive for the Campbell-Towle Lumber Co., Sylvan Crume fell in the river and almost drowned. The men working with him, were able to get a pole within his reach, as he came up the second time." (The Klamath News)
October 15, 1927: "Avon Buccanan was in Chiloquin and Klamath Falls Sunday looking for men for the Campbell Towle Lumber company. He returned Monday with nine men to work in the lumber yard." (The Klamath News)
October 25, 1927: "Avon Buccanan, who has been employed as purchasing agent for the Campbell-Towle Lumber company resigned his position and has left by auto for his home in Portland." "About 100 cords of wood piled near the Campbell-Towle mill was burned last Sunday afternoon. It caught fire from the mill burner." (The Klamath News)
October 30, 1927: "L. E. Smith has taken up his duties as general manager of the Campbell-Towle Lumber company at Sprague River. Elmer D. Smith who formerly held this position has resigned and is now making his home in Klamath Falls where he will remain for the winter months." (The Klamath News)
November 5, 1927: "The Campbell-Towle Lumber company closed down their mill for the winter, October 29. They are expecting to make extensive repairs and add some new machinery while the mill is closed.
Elmer B. Smith, former manager of the Campbell-Towle Lumber company and family moved into Klamath Falls." (The Klamath News)
December 29, 1927: "People of the Sprague River community enjoyed a Christmas tree at the club house of the Campbell-Towle Lumber company on Christmas. A tree filled with gifts for each child of the community was one of the features of the program. Alfred Johnson played 'Santa." (The Klamath News)
1928
August 4, 1928: "News Reports Credits Campbell Towle Company With Building of Sprague River, Ore.
The newly opened and thriving city of Sprague River, Ore., owes much of its progress to the Campbell Towle Lumber Company of this city according to a news report received here.
The settlement at Sprague River began five years ago when a department store was opened there by Ben Wolford. Soon after that the Campbell Towle Lumber company of Oshkosh erected a mill at that place and later added a planing mill.
The city is said to have planned carefully and it is modern in every respect. Sprague River, it is stated, is destined to be the center of all lumbering activities in that section because it is surrounded by forests of virgin timber owned by many different firms." (The Oshkosh Northwestern)
September 20, 1928: "Messrs. Campbell, Towle and Fountaine of the Campbell-Towle Lumber company, home office in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, are here on a visit, looking over their plant and making plans for the next year.
Their original operation consisted of a small mill, which they have added onto and improved from year to year until at the present time they have a modern plant and planing mill. It is understood that they are contemplating an enlargement and extension of the present plant this coming year, although they have not as yet made an official statement of plans." (The Evening Herald)
1929
January 10, 1929: "A rather serious accident occurred at the mill on January 6, when W. L. Clark slipped and fell 18 or 20 feet to the ground. He was rushed to the hospital at Klamath Falls. Latest reports are that he is still in a semi-conscious condition, with a possible fractured skull." & "Considerable repairs are being made at the Campbell-Towle mill, or, rather, since the change of management, the Fountain-Campbell mill. New machinery is being installed and the mill put in shape to begin work. The office has been moved from the old building to what was formerly the club house." & "Mr. Fountain, the new manager of the mill, arrived Wednesday from Minneapolis. With him came Jack Kidd, who is also to be one of the new officials." (The Klamath News)
January 24, 1929: "Friends of W. L. Clark will be glad to learn that he is rapidly improving at the Klamath Valley hospital, where he was taken after suffering a triple fracture of the skull at the mill in Sprague River." (The Klamath News)
February 13, 1929: "The sawmill at Sprague River will soon be ready for use. Extensive repairs are being made, and much new machinery added, including new boilers, bandmill, new burner engines. Construction of a new clubhouse is planned." (The Klamath News)
February 23, 1929: "The Campbell-Towle Lumber company is now being completely rebuilt and Mr. Lorenz will not take possession of the plant until this project is completed. A new eight-foot Prescott band mill is being installed; a 12 inch Prescott shot gun; a high pressure power plant; a hog; concrete foundations are being laid; the mill building is being enlarged; and a complete renovation is being undertaken.
When the various improvements, are made, the mill will be one of the best pine mills of a one-shift capacity under 100,000 feet in the Pacific northwest. The mill will turn out approximately 75,000 feet one shift daily capacity. Its payroll, on a one-shift basis, is approximately $40,000 a month. The mill yard has a capacity of ten million feet.
One of the new features to the mill is the fact that the slab burner will be installed on the opposite, the north side of Sprague River. Several hundred feet of water will separate the burner from the plant, ensuring additional fire protection.
In a statement this morning Mr. Lorenz said that only lumber products, not box factory production, would be shipped. The plant includes the sawmill and a planing mill, but not a box factory." (The Evening Herald)
March 15, 1929: "George Lorenz spent Tuesday inspecting the mill here which he has recently acquired." (The Klamath News)
March 18, 1929: "[Indian Office file No. 53778-28]
Klamath Indian Reservation, Whiskey Creek logging unit. Advertised November 14, 1928. Bids opened February 5, 1929. Bid accepted March 18, 1929. Contract signed March 27, 1929. Contract approved June 10, 1929. Name of purchaser, G. C. Lorenz. Contract expires March 31, 1932. Amount of bond, $30,000. Surety, Maryland Casualty Co., Baltimore, Md. Period of years, May 15, 1934. Approved June 10, 1929.
Yearly cut, 15,000,000 feet prior to March 31, 1931, 15,000,000 feet yearly thereafter. Initial deposit, $20,000. Advance deposits, $10,000. Estimated stand of timber, 150,000,000 feet. Estimated value of timber, $675,000." (Survey of Conditions of Indian in United States - Page 5212)
April 12, 1929: "Articles of incorporation for the Lorenz Lumber company, formerly the Campbell-Towle Lumber company of Sprague River, 40 miles east of Klamath Falls, are being completed and will be filed soon.
Mr. Lorenz recently bought the Campbell-Towle mill, and also all of that concern's timber.
The Lorenz Lumber company is a consolidation of the Campbell-Towle Lumber company acquired by G. C. Lorenz and C. P. Lorenz, and the Long Pine Lumber company (Bonanza), jointly operated by G. C. and C. P. Lorenz. The new concern owns, in addition to the mill at Sprague River, between 275,000,000 and 300,000,000 feet of timber, in one solid block. The mill is located on the O. C. & E. railroad on the fringe of this huge tract.
Incorporators of the Lorenz Lumber company were, G.C. Lorenz, C. P. Lorenz and R. H. Schmitt. Capital stock amounts to $250,000. The mill started up under new ownership last Monday. It had been completely renovated and many major improvements installed. The plant will operate on a one shift basis for the time being. Output is 75,000 feet daily.
Logging operations will get underway by the middle of May, Mr. Lorenz estimated." (The Klamath News)
April 14, 1929: "The repairs to the Long Pine mill have been completed and it has resumed operations. This mill was formerly the property of the Campbell-Towle Lumber company. The burner is now located across the river. New band mill and boilers have been installed and the machinery completely overhauled." (The Klamath News)
June 10, 1929: "Announcement has been made of the sale of the Boutin Lumber Company mill of Hildebrand and 12,000,000 feet of private timber of the concern to the G. C. Lorenz Lumber Company of Sprague River.
The mill, which has a one-shift capacity cut of 35,000 feet, has been dismantled, and the diesel engine which powered the plant, removed to the Lorenz plant where it will be used in the large operation.
The Lorenz Lumber Company has also contracted to buy the logs of the Rock Creek reservation unit which was recently bid in by Gilbert McLennan, local lumberman.
Construction is under way on a six mile logging railroad from the Sprague River plant to its private timber holdings and to the Whiskey Creek unit." (The Evening Herald)
June 18, 1929: "While shoving logs on a chute at the Lorenz mill, Jess Schonchin aged 37, member of a prominent Indian family on the reservation, was either accidentally killed from a blow on the head, drowned about 7 o'clock Sunday evening at Sprague River. His body was recovered about 12:30 Monday noon.
Schonchin, an experienced pondman, was seen to take his place on the raft in the pond at the beginning of the night shift at the mill about 7 p.m. Sunday. Shortly afterward, Jack O'Neil, employed at the mill as a dogger discovered that Schonchin was missing." (The Klamath News)
June 20, 1929: "A switch connecting the Lorenz Lumber company log line with the O. C. & E. at Sprague River was being installed today." (The Evening Herald)
July 31, 1929: "At Sprague River, the Lorenz Lumber company operates a sawmill, which is now running double shift. At the plant and in the logging camp, located five miles, about 155 men are employed." (The Klamath News)
August 1, 1929: "The Lorenz Lumber company recently completed a new section of road from a point on the O.C.E. near Sprague River, into the Whiskey Creek country where it has established a new logging camp and is operating some of the most modern equipment that can be used in moving timber." (The Klamath News)
November 20, 1929: "KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, That Campbell-Towle Lumber Company, a corporation duly organized and incorporated under the laws of the State of Oregon, in consideration of Ten ($10.00) Dollars to it paid by Lorenz Lumber Company, an Oregon Corporation, does hereby grant, bargain, sell and convey to said Lorenz Lumber Company, its successors and assigns forever, the following described parcel of real estate, situate, lying and being in the County of Klamath and State of Oregon, to-wit:
The Southwest quarter of Section Eleven (11), Township thirty-six (36) South, Range Ten (10) East of Willamette Meridian, and the Southeast Quarter of Section Ten (10), Township thirty-six (36) South, Range Ten (10) East of the Willamette Meridian, Except the following described tract:
Commencing at a point where the west boundary line of the County road intersects the north boundary line of the Southeast of Section Ten (10) Township thirty-six (36) South, Range ten (10) East of Willamette Meridian, which point is approximately thirty (30) feet west of the northeast corner of the southeast quarter of said Section Ten (10); thence west Ten (10) rods, thence south thirty (30) rods, thence southeasterly a distance of 10.82 rods to the western boundary line of said county road, thence north along the west boundary line of said county road a distance of thirty-four (34) rods to the place of beginning, all in Klamath County, Ore.
Subject to existing roads, railroad rights of way and other or any easements in evidence on the ground, and of record; and any liens on said premises that may have been created by G. C. Lorenz and/or Lorenz Lumber Company subsequent to February 15th 1929, the date of the contract pursuant to which this deed is given.
LORENZ LUMBER COMPANY is to pay taxes on said premises beginning with the assessment of 1929.
Together with the tenements, hereditaments and appurtenances thereunto belonging, or in anywise appertaining; and also all its estate, right; title and interest, at law and equity, therein and thereto.
TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the same to the said LORENZ LUMBER COMPANY, its successors and assigns forever. And the said Campbell-Towle Lumber Company does covenant with the said Lorenz Lumber Company and its legal representatives forever, that said corporation is lawfully seized in fee simple of the above granted premises, that the above granted premises are free from all encumbrances, and that it will, and its successors shall,
WARRANT AND DEFEND the same to the said Lorenz Lumber Company, its successors and assigns forever, against the lawful claims and demands of all persons whomsoever except as above set forth.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Campbell-Towle Lumber Company pursuant to a resolution of its Board of Directors, duly and legally adopted, has caused these presents to be signed by its President and Secretary, and its corporate seal to be hereunto affixed this 20th day of November A.D. 1929. Signed." (Klamath County Clerk's Office Records)
1930
May 17, 1930: "A new transmission line approximately 23 miles in length has recently been constructed from Bonanza north to the town of Sprague River, Ore. This line, a three gauge circuit, and operated for the time being at 34,000 volts, will serve the new electrically equipped mills of the Lorenz Lumber company, as well as many new residential and business customers in and about the community of Sprague River." (The Klamath News)
July 6, 1930: "Another large lumber, saw mill and timber deal was announced yesterday when the Crater Lake Lumber company purchased and took over all holdings of the Lorenz Lumber company which operates at Sprague River, Oregon.
Huntington Taylor, formerly vice-president and manager of the Edward Rutledge Timber company of northern Idaho, is the head of the new Crater Lake Lumber company and comes to Klamath Basin to locate permanently and personally manage and direct the Sprague River operation." (The Klamath News)
July 7, 1930: "The Crater Lake Lumber company has purchased the Lorenz Lumber company of Sprague River, about 60 miles from here. The consideration was not announced. Huntington Taylor, formerly vice president of the Edward Rutledge Timber company, Idaho, will be manager of the company." (The Bend Bulletin)
1931
February 11, 1931: "The Crater Lake Lumber company opened Monday morning with one shift, employing about 50 men in the yards. Logging operations have not been started yet, but probably will within two or three weeks, according to Huntington Taylor, manager." (The Klamath News)
June 19, 1931: "It is rumored that the Crater Lake sawmill at Sprague River, which has been closed for some time, will resume production some time next week." (The Bly Bulletin)
1931: "Crater Lake Lumber Co., expects to build 10 miles of logging railroad next year." (The Lumberman)
August 14, 1931: "The Crater Lake Lumber company was today granted permission by the public utilities commissioner to cross the Klamath Falls-Lakeview highway at grade with the rails of its logging road. The location of the crossing was given as four-tenths of a mile west of Mile Post No. 28 on the highway." (The Klamath News)
1932
September 19, 1932: "Mrs. Rae McCracken of Grants Pass is spending the summer here with her husband who is filer for the Crater Lake Lumber company." (The Evening Herald)
September 26, 1932: "M. C. Slay, sawyer for the Crater Lake Lumber company, was quite seriously injured Friday night when a flying piece of timber struck him on the forehead.
Slay is improving at the Hillside hospital in Klamath Falls." (The Evening Herald)
September 27, 1932: "Fire from the box factory burner of the Crater Lake Lumber company Saturday afternoon burned in the brush surrounding the factory and with difficulty was kept from destroying the plants.
All the plants were closed for a short time while all available men were used to subdue the flames. Had the fire burned the sawmill and box factory, several dwellings would probably have been destroyed as well." (The Klamath News)
1933
May 1, 1933: "Ross Johnson of Sprague River reports bumping small boy named Brady, with car, in front of Crater Lake Lumber company office in Sprague River Saturday causing bruises to child." (The Evening Herald)
July 15, 1933: "W. L. Stringer, employe of the Crater Lake Lumber company, was injured Sunday night when a hammer-dog struck him on the side of the head. He was taken to Klamath Falls for treatment." & "The Crater Lake Lumber company is now operating two 8-hour shifts." (The Klamath News)
August 4, 1933: "The Crater Lake Lumber company is still operating two full eight-hour shifts after strike agitators from Klamath Falls failed to close the mill. The lumber yard is guarded constantly against 'fire-bugs.'
Deputy Sheriff Bob DeShazer, well know on the Klamath Indian reservation, is employed by the lumber company until the labor question is settled.
The Sprague River Box company is also operating on full schedule." (The Evening Herald)
August 15, 1933: "A brush fire which started about 12:30 p.m. Wednesday threatened the Crater Lake Lumber company's planing mill and the Sprague River Box Co. The fire had advanced to within 50 yards of the building before put under control." (The Klamath News)
September 20, 1933: "All employes of the Crater Lake Lumber company have received a raise in wages." & "The Sprague River Box company is operating two eight-hour shifts." (The Evening Herald)
September 21, 1933: "The Crater Lake Lumber company is moving its logging camp to a site near Bly. The company purchased the Weyerhaeuser timber which was recently burned." & "All employes of the Crater Lake Lumber company have received a raise in wages." & "The Sprague River Box company is operating two eight-hour shifts." & "Mr. and Mrs. Roy Rideout have returned from a vacation trip. Mr. Rideout is cook for the Crater Lake Lumber company." (The Klamath News)
October 21, 1933: "The Crater Lake Lumber company is operating on two eight-hour shifts. Operations were partially suspended due to the delay in logging operations while moving the camp near Bly." (The Klamath News)
1934
January 11, 1934: "The Sprague River Box company is not in operation.
The trimmer at the planer mill of the Crater Lake Lumber company is being rebuilt." (The Evening Herald)
April 20, 1934: "T. W. Zadow, yard superintendent for the Crater Lake Lumber company, was brought to Hillside hospital Thursday afternoon after receiving a severely fractured leg in a yard accident." (The Evening Herald)
May 14, 1934: "A house is being erected for Mr. and Mrs. Owen Ludwick and family near Sprague River. Mr. Ludwick is superintendent of the Sprague River Box company." (The Evening Herald)
May 16, 1934: "The Crater Lake Lumber company is operating a 48-hour week at the mill and a 40-hour week at the planer. The Sprague River Box is also operating on full schedule." (The Evening Herald)
July 21, 1934: "The Crater Lake Lumber company resumed operation Monday after a six week's shut down. One shift is now in operation and another one is expected to begin next week.
W. T. Zado returned home recently from the hospital in Klamath Falls, where he has been confined with a broken leg." (The Klamath News)
1935
January 29, 1935: "The Sprague River Box company is operating again." (The Klamath News)
February 3, 1935: "Mr. and Mrs. Bradford, the new saw filer for Crater Lake company, have moved to Sprague River." (The Klamath News)
February 8, 1935: "Mrs. Bob DeShazer is running the Crater Lake cook house in the absence of Roy Rideout, who is visiting in Washington." (The Evening Herald)
February 1935: "On February 10 the Crater Lake Lumber Company, Sprague River, Ore., Huntington Taylor, manager, took over the operation of the Sprague River Box Company."
"Crater Lake Lumber Co., Sprague River, Oregon, is one of the few ponderosa producers which has been able to build up a well assorted stock this summer. The mill has been running two shifts and orders have been accepted only in sufficient volume to keep the shipping department running. Huntington Taylor, manager, expects a brisk market this fall." (The Lumberman)
March 9, 1935: "The Kitts box factory has changed hands and is now part of the Crater Lake Lumber Co." (The Evening Herald)
April 30, 1935: "Mr. Crawford, the bookkeeper for Crater Lake Lumber company, has moved his wife and two children to Sprague River." (The Evening Herald)
May 28, 1935: "The Crater Lake sawmill started operations Monday. The night shift is due to start soon. The river is full of logs and more coming every day."
"Johnny Goddard, rachet setter for the sawmill, will move his family to Sprague River soon."
"Jerry Lambert, formerly Crater Lake sawmill foreman, has resigned. He left for New Mexico some time ago. Mrs. Lambert is to follow at the close of school." (The Klamath News)
June 28, 1935: "Jack Hamlin, who recently was severely injured June 16 when steel flew from the sledge hammer with which he was working and lodged in his leg, has resumed his work on the Crater Lake Lumber company switch engine." (The Klamath News)
July 12, 1935: "Ronald Hersey has taken the position of timekeeper for the Crater Lake Lumber company." (The Klamath News)
September 30, 1935: "Considerable alarm was felt throughout the camp Wednesday evening when an out building near the bunkhouse at the Crater Lake mill burned to the ground. Due to the absence of any breeze, no further damage was done.
The office of the Crater Lake Lumber company has issued a warning to all residents of the camp, asking them to abolish fire hazards." (The Evening Herald)
October 31, 1935: "J. F. Ethridge has taken over the position of planing mill foreman for the Crater Lake Lumber company. Ethridge was formerly employed as night foreman at the Ewauna Box company until the night crew was laid off." (The Evening Herald)
November 9, 1935: "Marshall Upp, employe in the box factory of the Crater Lake Lumber company, was taken to Klamath Falls Thursday to receive treatment for bruises received last week, when he was struck with a piece of lumber." (The Klamath News)
1936
January 4, 1936: "Leon Crawford, bookkeeper for the Crater Lake Lumber company, returned Sunday from Los Angeles. Crawford moved his family to that city just before Christmas. He expects to stay here only long enough to complete his work for the company." (The Evening Herald)
January 28, 1936: "Employes at Big Lakes' camp report 42 inches of snow. The cars are all tied up but some of the men came to Sprague River on snow shoes and find the going not too difficult. They can make the trip of nearly ten miles in about two hours. The logging operations are still continuing at the rate of 100,000 feet per day." (The Evening Herald)
February 26, 1936: "Repair work at the mill is underway now and several of the men in camp have found work during the past couple of weeks." (The Evening Herald)
February 27, 1936: "On Thursday evening a cabin near the mill camp was destroyed by fire. B. J. Bjorn had just recently set up bachelor quarters there. Everything was lost." (The Evening Herald)
March 31, 1936: "The Crater Lake mill has been running steadily for a week now and it is expected a night crew will be employed." (The Evening Herald)
1937
January 25, 1937: "Carl Carlson from Tionesta, Calif., has been hired as mill superintendent for Crater Lake Lumber company." (The Evening Herald)
February 12, 1937: "A small crew of men have begun the job of repairing the Crater Lake Lumber company mill. No definite date has been set for operating the mill as yet, for the weather is far from settled at present. The box factory crew expect to be laid off this week because of lack of cars to load. The logging train which wrecked itself here a week ago is still waiting for the equipment to come and clear the track, but owing to numerous blockades on the main lines it is impossible to get out here for awhile." (The Evening Herald)
April 6, 1937: "The night shift of the Crater Lake Lumber company started Thursday night of this week." (The Klamath News)
May 7, 1937: "Y. Lopez, lumber piler in the Crater Lake Lumber company yards, was injured Thursday morning when a pile of green lumber fell upon him.
Lopez is confined to a hospital with a fractured leg and bruises." (The Evening Herald)
August 31, 1937: "The box factory of the Crater Lake Lumber and Box company closed Monday for an indefinite period due to lack of orders." (The Evening Herald)
September 27, 1937: "Sweeping beyond control almost at the moment of discovery, a spectacular fire roared through the box factory and warehouse of the Crater Lake Box and Lumber company at Sprague River Sunday morning. Both structures, and the box shook inventory, were destroyed at a loss of more than $50,000.
Only the fact that a perfect calm prevailed prevented the blaze from doing more damage. Close by was the plant's planing mill and the lumber yard with a quarter of a million dollars worth of lumber piled in it. The main mill of the Crater Lake Lumber company was about 2000 feet distant.
Origin of the fire was a mystery. The plant had not operated Saturday. The night watchman has made his regular rounds through the evening, and had been at the box factory shortly before. When he returned about 1 o'clock he found the fire roaring in the filing room.
He immediately sounded the alarm whistle. The entire mill community turned out, but by that time the blaze had made such headway it was impossible to save the factory and warehouse. The flames shot straight upward, and few sparks or cinders fell outside the burning building, due to the lack of breeze.
G. C. Lorenz, president of the Crater Lake Box and Lumber company, said the loss was partially covered by insurance. He said the box factory, constructed in 1932, will probably be re-built. There are still large quantities of timber to be harvested in the Sprague River area, and a volume of box lumber to be cut.
About 40 men were employed in the box factory and warehouse.
The Sprague River fire was the first big blaze of the season in Klamath lumbering operations. The last fire of consequence destroyed the Shaw Lumber company plant at Tionesta." (The Evening Herald)
October 29, 1937: "A crew of men were busy cleaning up after the box factory fire last week." (The Klamath News)
November 4, 1937: "R. E. Hooker, local manager for the Klamath Machine and Locomotive Works, announces the sale of a Model 4M Gerlinger lumber carrier to the Crater Lake Box and Lumber company of Sprague River, to be used in connection with the new box factory which is now under construction." (The Evening Herald)
November 24, 1937: "The night shift at the local saw mill was taken off Saturday and it is expected the day shift will go off Tuesday of next week. The new box factory is under construction and it is hoped will be ready to operate by the fifteenth of December. The planing mill will run one shift three days a week." (The Klamath News)
1938
April 21, 1938: "At Sprague River, water was in the blacksmith shop of the Crater Lake Lumber company." (The Evening Herald)
June 10, 1938: "Art Eckwell of Placerville is the new box factory foreman, succeeding Mr. Ludwick." (The Klamath News)
June 16, 1938: "Life blood of the Indian reservation community of Sprague River is the Crater Lake Lumber company, a combination sawmill and box factory operation.
Limiting its production solely to Ponderosa pine, Crater Lake has an annual capacity of 25,000,000 to 30,000,000 board feet in the sawmill division and 10,000,000 to 12,000,000 feet in the box factory. Under conditions of maximum operation, the company employs a total of 200 men in mill and woods.
Crater Lake logging is carried on entirely by rail, with part of the timber cut on private holdings and part of the log supply coming from Indian reservation lands.
The original Sprague River plant was built by Campbell Towell in the 1920's and was later acquired by G. C. Lorenz, who operated it as the Lorenz Lumber company.
In 1930 the company again was reorganized with Huntington Taylor in charge as president, and it was at that time that the firm name was changed to Crater Lake Lumber company.
The present box factory was built in 1937 after fire virtually destroyed an earlier structure. The sawmill, with minor changes, is the same as has been in operation since the plant was first opened.
Crater Lake shuts down its mill for varying lengths of time every winter, but the box factory runs on a year-around basis." (The Klamath News)
June 18, 1938: "The Crater Lake Box and Lumber company at Sprague River burned down this afternoon in fire which developed in raging wind.
At 3:45 p.m. Herald office was informed by long distance telephone from Sprague River that the fire was burning in the yard and was threatening large quantities of sawed lumber there.
Origin of the blaze was not certain, but it was believed due to sparks from the burner. Fire started in the planer, quickly spread to the box factory which burned down about a year ago. The planer also burned." (The Evening Herald)
June 20, 1938: "Flames which destroyed the planing mill, box factory and warehouse of the Crater Lake Box and Lumber company at Sprague River Saturday afternoon were stopped short of lumber in the yard, and the mill proper was saved.
The damage was estimated by G. C. Lorenz, owner, at around $100,000 which was partially covered by insurance.
The sawmill of the company, which is located about a quarter of a mile up the river from the scene of the fire, was not endangered and firefighters were able to save the large quantity of lumber stored in the yards.
Destruction of the planing mill and box factory will put about 75 men out of work immediately and threatens to cause a complete shutdown of the company for the season. Lorenz said Saturday night. He said he was uncertain whether the sawmill and logging crews could continue to work in view of the fact that the fire had destroyed all means of manufacturing the mill output for shipment and that the yards are already well stocked. Huntington Taylor, operator of the company, could not be reached.
On the question of rebuilding also the company has as yet made no plans, Lorenz said. When the company's box factory burned last fall in a similar fire a better and more fully equipped factory was built in it place, and it had been operating only about three months when it went up in smoke Saturday.
The fire broke out at 2:30 in a raging windstrom and observers believed a spark from the burner had probably started the blaze. The flames quickly spread from the planing mill to the box factory and warehouse and for a time threatened the lumber piles in the yards.
However, later in the afternoon the wind abated and the fire was controlled, but only after the buildings had been burned to the ground. Nothing in either of the plants could be salvaged." (The Evening Herald)
July 30, 1938: "The Crater Lake Box and Lumber Co., resumed operations in the saw mill Wednesday morning after a months' layoff due to labor disputes. Ground is being broken for the new planing mill and box factory." (The Evening Herald)
August 8, 1938: "The task of leveling the ground for the construction of the box factory of the Crater Lake Lumber and Box company at Sprague River was under way Monday morning, it was learned from Huntington Taylor, officials of the company Monday.
The factory was burned to the ground June 18.
The company started a temporary planing machine Monday also, it was learned, and are now shipping both rough and surface lumber. The temporary machine was installed to handle orders while the work of rebuilding the plant is going on.
Old employes of the company are resuming their positions, it was learned. The mill is operating in two shifts, according to Taylor. The double cut band sawmill has a capacity of 150,000 feet per day." (The Evening Herald)
August 31, 1938: "Walter Sinclair of Medford is employed as superintendent of the Crater Lake Box and Lumber Co. plant. Sinclair and family are moving into the house vacated recently by Mr. Carlson."
"Construction of the new box factory and planing mill by the Crater Lake Box and Lumber Co., was begun Monday noon. Ike Travis has the building contract." (The Klamath News)
October 28, 1938: "The new box factory started with one shift on Tuesday as did the new planing mill. Walter Sinclair is foreman and Fred Zibull, floor man." (The Klamath News)
November 16, 1938: "Owen Ludwig has returned to Sprague River to be foreman of the box factory in his old position. Mrs. Ludwig will not move from Lakeview immediately. Walter Sinclair, former foreman, is employed at Bridal Veil, Oregon." (The Klamath News)
December 14, 1938: "Metz Marshall of Sprague River, saw filer in the box factory, suffered a painful injury to his hand when it was cut several days ago." (The Klamath News)
1939
August 24, 1939: "The sawmill at the Crater Lake Box and Lumber company will start Wednesday night with three shifts, the box factory and planer with two. Several of the former employes of the Forest Lumber company will be employed." (The Evening Herald)
December 9, 1939: "W. R. Cabiniss, formerly employed in the offices of the Forest Lumber company, has accepted a position with the Crater Lake Box company at Sprague River. Mr. and Mrs. Cabiniss will leave for Sprague River Monday." (The Evening Herald)
1940
April 2, 1940: "Crater Lake Lumber company's mill at Sprague River, Ore., was closed Thursday because of high water from the rain-swollen Sprague river, and will remain closed until the latter part of this week.
No damage from the flood was reported, although lowlands in the vicinity of the mill have been inundated. Floating logs have been coralled without loss. About 150 men are employed at the mill." (The Evening Herald)
April 15, 1940: "The Crater Lake Box and Lumber company added the third shift to the saw mill last Sunday night but because of high water was forced to close down for a few days." (The Evening Herald)
July 20, 1940: "A near tragedy was averted Saturday when Don and Roy McKenzie, eight and nine-year-old sons of Mr. and Mrs. Ivan McKenzie, narrowly escaped drowning in Sprague River. The two boys had accompanied their father who was working in the yards of the Crater Lake Box and Lumber company.
While their father was called to another part of the yard, the boys played on a platform at the river's edge. One of the boys, playing too close to the platform's edge, fell into the water, and the other going to his rescue was also pulled in. Two mill employes, Art and Francis Fuller, came on the scene just in time to rescue the boys." (The Klamath News)
November 19, 1940: "The entire population of Ewauna camp have been moved to Sprague river this past week, except Mrs. Mary Carter, school teacher for Quartz mountain. This leaves only three children to attend school at Quartz mountain: Betty and Roger Wright and James Brown." (The Evening Herald)
December 16, 1940: "The Crater Lake Box and Lumber company operators were hosts to mill workers and their families at a big turkey dinner and dance in the Sprague River gymnasium Saturday, December 14.
Approximately 450 people were fed turkey and all the trimmings. Special tables were constructed for the gymnasium and turkeys were baked in the mill and camp mess halls.
Following the dinner at approximately 9 o'clock the floor was cleared and a Klamath Falls orchestra played for dancing.
In charge of the affair were J. C. and Pete Lorenz, C. A. Fuller and other mill officials." (The Evening Herald)
1940: "Crater Lake Lumber Co.: Huntington Taylor retires as manager." (The Lumberman)
1941
January 7, 1941: "A fire of near disastrous consequences occurred Monday, December 30, at the Crater Lake Box and Lumber company's Sprague River plant. The fire, which was of unknown origin, started in the fuel bin and spread rapidly.
It occurred about 11 a.m., when a large crew was at work. The men, using all available equipment battled the blaze, which quickly spread to other parts of the mill. Had it not been for the early start gained by the fighters it is believed that the entire mill may have been wiped out.
In 1938 a fire completely destroyed the box factory and millions of feet of piled lumber at a huge loss. The rebuilding process has just been completed. The last fire resulted in the installation of modern fire fighting equipment, which proved its worth in last week's blaze." (The Evening Herald)
January 24, 1941: "Jess Wilson, who had his foot crushed last week in an accident in the mill yard, is able to be about and hopes to return to work in the near future. Jess caught his foot between the belt and carrier, ripping off part of his boot and inflicting painful injuries. It was believed that bones were broken but an examination revealed none." (The Evening Herald)
February 19, 1941: "Due to the sloppy condition of the roads and runways in the Crater Lake Box and Lumber company yards, the mill has been forced to close this week. It is virtually impossible for the trucks and carriers to operate until the water runs off." (The Evening Herald)
February 19, 1941: "The Crater Lake Lumber and Box company at Sprague River started up last week only to be forced down because of muddy yard conditions." (The Klamath News)
February 26, 1941: "Jack Nelson, construction foreman of the Crater Lake Box and Lumber company is home from the Hillside hospital, where he had a crushed finger amputated. Nelson suffered somewhat serious complications as a result of blood poisoning.: (The Evening Herald)
March 15, 1941: "Mr. and Mrs. Roy Ridock have returned to Sprague River, where they will cook for the mess hall of the Crater Lake Box and Lumber company. They will replace Mr. and Mrs. Woods, who have been cooking for the past year. The Ridocks were cooks here several years ago." (The Klamath News)
March 16, 1941: "Crater Lake Box and Lumber company, stepping up its production with the prospect of an early opening of woods operation, Monday will put on a night shift in the mill, Jack Almeter of the Oregon state employment service said yesterday.
While logging operations have not yet been started due to weather conditions, it was believed continued sunny skies would soon permit trucks to get into the woods." (The Klamath News)
August 7, 1941: "Donald Smith has accepted employment with the Crater Lake Box and Lumber Co. at Sprague River." (The Chiloquin Review)
September 28, 1941: "Extensive improvements have been made during the summer months at the Crater Lake Box and Lumber company here. Early in the summer a construction crew under the direction of Foreman Jack Nelson started building a new planing mill shed. This shed is almost completed and a new planing mill has been installed, increasing the output of the mill. A new chain was also built to the planer. The rip saw which has been outdoors is now enclosed in the new building, eliminating the old trouble of the men working out in the weather.
Another major improvement is the building of a surfaced road system throughout the grounds. The old roads became almost impassable in winter months and work was often suspended. Hundreds of tons of crushed rock and gravel were put on the old roads and then a layer of fine crushed rock was spread on to develop a smooth surface. A coating of asphalt or oil will give the yards a complete system of surfaced roads.
A new fire prevention sprinkling system was installed which should eliminate the fear of another disastrous fire such as the one that practically cleaned out the yards and box factory in 1938. This is a pressure water system that covers both the buildings and the yards. One opportunity arouse during the summer to test the new system and the tryout was successful.
A new repair shop is soon to be completed just east of the sawmill, which will provide weather protection for the repair of the heavy machinery of the company.
The mill is now operating at full blast and due to the large number of orders there is little chance of the usual seasonal layoff noted in many mills." (The Klamath News)
October 7, 1941: "Mr. and Mrs. Bill Zadow and daughter, Sally moved into their new home. Zadow is yards superintendent at the Crater Lake Box and Lumber company." (The Evening Herald)
December 20, 1941: "Jack Nelson, construction foreman of the Crater Lake Box and Lumber company is undergoing treatment at the Klamath Valley hospital for an amputated finger." (The Klamath News)
December 31, 1941: "The authorities of the Crater Lake Box and Lumber company are fast feeling the pinches of the present war. Before actual entry the mill was going overtime to supply the many war time wooden products such as military lockers, powder and ammunition boxes and boxes for machine parts. These orders in addition to the regular contract orders for fruit lugs kept a large crew busy.
With still more government orders to fill, the mill officials reached a dilemma when one after another special worker such as tallyman, bookkeepers and skilled machine men left employment to join up with Uncle Sam's forces. Replacements of such men are very difficult and with the stream of orders increasing an acute problem exists. Three men of the regular office force are expected to leave early January. A recent increase in pay has been granted the men and it is hoped that with the promise of steady work with good pay that a host of new laborers will be attracted." (The Klamath News)
1942
June 16, 1942: "Lawrence Rhea, well known grader at the Crater Lake Box and Lumber company, said goodbye to friends here this week to enter army life.
Mr. Wiley, grader at the planing mill is back on the job after a month's layoff due to a severe case of pneumonia.
Bill Pool has been selected as millwright in the box factory to replace Steve Crough, who recently resigned.
Mrs. Bud Looper has been off work in the planing mill for the past week due to a case of flu." (Herald and News)
July 10, 1942: "Austin Haddock of Eugene is employed by the Crater Lake Box and Lumber Company in the logging woods. Haddock is a teacher during the winter months." (Herald and News)
August 13, 1942: "Mrs. Dorothy Merritt of Klamath Falls is employed in the office of the Crater Lake Box and Lumber company." (Herald and News)
1943
July 9, 1943: "Purchases of the residences and other small buildings of the Crater Lake Lumber company at Sprague River was announced Friday by the Ewauna Box company.
Ewauna will use the Sprague River location as a base for logging operations when they start cutting in the Saddle mountain area on the Klamath Indian reservation. Ewauna has been doing some cutting there for several years, it is understood.
Some of the houses at Sprague River are still occupied by Crater Lake employes. Ewauna officials said they would not start the Saddle Mountain work for another 30 to 60 days and were not sure just how long operations would continue in that area. Facilities for housing from 25 to 30 families were obtained in the purchase of the dwellings.
Ray Chase, logging superintendent, will be in charge of the new operations as well as the Quartz Mountain logging." (Herald and News)
August 4, 1943: "Crater Lake Lumber company's box factory at Sprague River has been purchased by the American Box corporation of San Francisco, which will conduct box shook manufacturing operation at the east Klamath plant, it was announced Tuesday.
P. M. Cowbrough, former sales manager for the Crater Lake Lumber company, is resident manager of the new operation, and announced the transaction. G. C. Lorenz, head of the Crater Lake Lumber company, confirmed the sale.
Cowbrough said the plant is already employing from 50 to 60 men. An active manufacturing program is planned, using first several million feet of lumber purchased from the Crater Lake Lumber company at Sprague River. The new owners will buy other lumber in the open market for the factory operations later on, and may install more machinery and extend the plant.
The deal included warehouses and planing mill facilities at Sprague River formerly owned by the Crater Lake Lumber company.
Lorenz stated that the Crater Lake mill at Sprague River is being dismantled and the machinery sold. The new program of the American Box corporation, however, will keep Sprague River in the picture as an active industrial community.
O. W. Ludwig, former box factory foreman for Crater Lake, is the new superintendent for American Box." (Herald and News)
1944
1945
August 9, 1945: "John Holland, who has been employed by the American Box Corporation, has returned to his home in Forsyth, Mo.
Beth Thomas, employed by the American Box Corporation as bookkeeper for the past year, has resigned her position here." (Herald and News)
1946
April 9, 1946: "WANTED--Combination Planerman and Planer feeder, running approximately 50 MBF daily, dry 6/4. Good pay. Tel. 11T4. Sprague River, American Box Corporation, Sprague River, Oregon." (Herald and News)
July 31, 1946: "John Rosterolla, an employe of the American Box Corporation here, caught his clothing on a set screw and pulley. Although his clothes were ripped and torn he was not injured." (Herald and News)
December 5, 1946: "WANTED--One experienced cutoff man for box factory. Good pay. Write or phone American Box Corporation, Sprague River." (Herald and News)
1947
May 24, 1947: "MEN WANTED. common labor for box factory. Good pay. Call 11-T-4 or write American Box Corporation, Sprague River." (Herald and News)
1948
August 11, 1948: "WANTED--Two contractors for green lumber stacking. Lumber to be stacked in carrier units. Goods wages for capable men. Phone 1124. American Box Corporation, Sprague River, Ore." (Herald and News)
November 4, 1948: "Sale of Ewauna Box company's sprawling lumber manufacturing plant in Klamath Falls to the Weyerhaeuser Timber company was announced jointly today by representatives of the two firms.
The sawmill, box factory, planer, lumber in the yards and the 75-acre site are involved in the million dollar transaction. It also includes the property of the Bly Logging company, an Ewauna subsidiary, which has a camp and railroad at Sprague River." (Herald and News)
1949
December 2, 1949: "WANTED, first class resaw off-bearer for box factory. No amateur, good wages. American Box Corporation, Sprague River, Ore. Phone 11T-4." (Herald and News)
1950
April 24, 1950: "The American Box Corporation's factory here has been closed and only a few cars of box shook remaining to be loaded out and shipped.
The plant had been in operation for 19 years.
It was established by W. H. Kitts, who moved his factory up from Bonanza to be near a sawmill operated by the Crater Lake Box and Lumber company.
Later that company bought and operated the box factory and added a planing mill.
In 1943 the planing mill was closed and dismantled and the box factory sold to American Box. Lumber for the operation was shipped in to Sprague River.
Twice during the 18 years of its operation the factory was destroyed by fire and rebuilt.
Some of the machinery now is being moved to the American Box company plant in Lakeview.
Two men who came to Sprague River with the original factory were still on the job when the last boards were sawed. Owen W. Ludwick was resident manager and Byron M. Welch, mechanic. Weich has been transferred to Lakeview plant." (Herald and News)
1951
1952
July 24, 1952: "NOTICE to all those who bought houses to be removed from the Weyerhaeuser Timber Co. camp site at Sprague River, Ore. The 6 months time limit will expire August 3, 1952. Please arrange movement before that date. Property will be closed to the public on August 4. D.M. Hess and E.W. Varnum." (Herald and News)
More to come