BOOTH-KELLY LUMBER COMPANY
|
Lane County - Wendling
|
1899
January 14, 1899: "The commissioners court of Lane county granted a very valuable franchise to the Booth-Kelly Lumber Co., giving them the exclusive use for ninety years of the Mohawk river and of Mill creek and their tributaries for logging and lumbering purposes." (Statesman Journal)
February 7, 1899: "At a mass meeting of citizens of Mohawk valley, resolutions were passed condemning the action of the county court in leasing the Mohawk river and its tributary to the Booth-Kelly Lumber Company. It was also resolved to contest the franchise and neither to give nor sell the right of way through lands adjoining the said streams." (The Capital Journal)
April 7, 1899: "San Francisco, April 1.---One of the biggest deals in timber lands in Oregon, made in some time, was consummated Friday in the purchase, by the Booth-Kelly Lumber Co., from the Southern Pacific Co., through W. H. Mills, of a large tract of land in Lane county, the consideration being $121,299. The lands purchased are tributary to Mill creek, and are located east of, and about sixteen miles from Coburg, the terminus of the Oregonian railway on the east side, which runs out from Portland. It is the purpose of the Booth-Kelly Co. to construct a railroad from their newly acquired lands to Coburg, and the road may ultimately be extended westward to connect with the main line of the California & Oregon railroad, about five miles north of Eugene city. Thus enterprise means the employment of a large number of men. The company expects to cut 1,000,000 feet of lumber during the season." (Weekly Oregon Statesman)
April 13, 1899: "Members of the Booth-Kelly Lumber Company and officials of the Southern Pacific railroad have been looking over the ground with a view to selecting a site for a sawmill to be established soon near Eugene. It is understood the mill will be connected directly with the railroad at some point on the Woodburn-Natron branch. The Booth-Kelly company recently made extensive purchases of timber land tributary to the Mohawk, and will engage in lumbering on an extensive scale." (Albany Weekly Herald)
April 27, 1899: "George and John Kelly, of the Booth-Kelly Lumber Co., which has undertaken a big sawmill enterprise in Lane county, were in town Saturday." (Albany Weekly Herald)
May 1, 1899: "The Booth-Kelly Lumber Company, which recently purchased of J. W. Cusick the Enterprise sawmill plant at Breitenbush, on the North Santiam. The mill has a capacity of 100,000 feet daily. It will be removed to the vicinity of their timber lands in Lane county. The consideration was about $8000." (The Plaindealer)
May 4, 1899: "George Kelly, of the Booth-Kelly Lumber Co., which recently purchased 23,000 acres of timber land on the Mohawk, returned Wednesday from a trip up the North Santiam, where he went to inspect the big saw mill plant known as the Enterprise mill on the Breitenbush, owned by J. W. Cusick, of this city. The mill has been lying idle for several months, and it was purchased by the Booth Kelly Company, who will remove it to the vicinity of their timber lands.
The mill has a cutting capacity of 100,000 feet of lumber per day. The consideration for the plant, which includes only the machinery, was about $8000." (Albany Weekly Herald)
The mill has a cutting capacity of 100,000 feet of lumber per day. The consideration for the plant, which includes only the machinery, was about $8000." (Albany Weekly Herald)
May 22, 1899: "Members of the Booth-Kelly Lumber Company left Eugene today for Mill Creek to inspect their recent purchase of timber land in that section. The party is composed of the following gentlemen: J. F. Kelly, z.s. Collier, Saginaw, A. J. Hechtman, Judd Hechtman, Herbert Fleishhacker, San Francisco, F. H. Buck, Vacaville, R. A. Booth, H. C. Kinney, Grants Pass.
Members of the party speaking to a Guard reporter today said the object of the trip was merely to inspect the timber on their recent purchase on Mohawk and Mill Creek. They left by private conveyance this morning and will return to this city tomorrow night.
Regarding other business affairs of the company nothing is given out at present." (Daily Eugene Guard)
Members of the party speaking to a Guard reporter today said the object of the trip was merely to inspect the timber on their recent purchase on Mohawk and Mill Creek. They left by private conveyance this morning and will return to this city tomorrow night.
Regarding other business affairs of the company nothing is given out at present." (Daily Eugene Guard)
June 12, 1899: "Our business men and property holders should work together to secure the building of a railroad that will bring the timber out of the Mohawk country. It means the putting into circulation of very large sums of money from year to year, and consequent prosperity and increase of prices and business for all classes. The Booth-Kelly Co. has enough timber in sight to keep a big mill running for years. They figure on only a small per cent profit on the business handled. The larger part will go for labor and supplies, and will be put in circulation right here at home." (Daily Eugene Guard)
August 22, 1899: "We can inform our brother of the Albany Democrat that the Booth-Kelly Lumber Co. is not negotiating for a mill site in Albany or near that city. There were several representatives of the Booth-Kelly Co. in Albany at the time stated. They had been to Berry on the Breitenbush, to make arrangements to have the large mill they recently purchased at that place shipped to this county, It will be loaded on O & C railroad cars and transported to Springfield, and then moved from that place. Workmen are already engaged taking the machinery apart. There are four boilers connected with the plant.
The Booth-Kelly Co. have great confidence in Lane county prospects." (Daily Eugene Guard)
The Booth-Kelly Co. have great confidence in Lane county prospects." (Daily Eugene Guard)
August 26, 1899: "We are permitted to publish the good news that the Mohawk railroad from Henderson's station, two miles south east from Eugene, up the Mohawk valley, will be built as fast as money and men can accomplish the object. The railroad crosses the Willamette, McKenzie and Mohawk rivers and will cost over $200,000 which will be spent this fall.
The Booth-Kelly Co will also employ nearly 100 men at once in building the mammoth mill and in logging.
The mill is to be ready to commence sawing as soon as the railroad is done.
This is grand news for Lane county and Eugene.
It means business for years." (Eugene City Guard)
The Booth-Kelly Co will also employ nearly 100 men at once in building the mammoth mill and in logging.
The mill is to be ready to commence sawing as soon as the railroad is done.
This is grand news for Lane county and Eugene.
It means business for years." (Eugene City Guard)
August 30, 1899: "The Booth-Kelly Milling Company are busily engaged securing the right of way for the railroad that will bring out the timber wealth of the upper Mohawk river.
C. Cole, of Isabel, was in Eugene today, and informed us that from his sawmill, one mile below the mouth of Mill Creek, to the site of the proposed Booth-Kelly mill, three miles up Mill Creek from its mouth, the right of way has practically been secured.
The order for the foundation timbers has been placed with Mr. Cole's mill. Our people will probably more fully realize the extent of this industry that is certain to become a very important factor in the development of Lane county for years to come, when we tell them the ground plan of the mill is 60x130 feet, and that this order all for foundation and floor, figures up 75,000 feet of lumber. The Booth-Kelly Co. are making preparations to take out millions upon millions of feet of lumber." (Daily Eugene Guard)
C. Cole, of Isabel, was in Eugene today, and informed us that from his sawmill, one mile below the mouth of Mill Creek, to the site of the proposed Booth-Kelly mill, three miles up Mill Creek from its mouth, the right of way has practically been secured.
The order for the foundation timbers has been placed with Mr. Cole's mill. Our people will probably more fully realize the extent of this industry that is certain to become a very important factor in the development of Lane county for years to come, when we tell them the ground plan of the mill is 60x130 feet, and that this order all for foundation and floor, figures up 75,000 feet of lumber. The Booth-Kelly Co. are making preparations to take out millions upon millions of feet of lumber." (Daily Eugene Guard)
September 2, 1899: "The branch railroad of the Southern Pacific from Eugene, through Springfield and up the Mohawk to Isabel, is now assured, and the Booth-Kelly Lumber Company, prime movers in the enterprise, will by this means secure rapid transportation for the marketing of their mill product.
Officers of the company are: Jno. F. Kelly, President; R. S. Booth, vice president; Geo. Kelly, secretary; Z. S. Cather, manager and Treasurer. They are all Oregon men, and their past success and present enterprise indicate conservative business judgment and ability to successfully handle a business of this dimension. Their estimated monthly pay roll is $25,000 for the three mills.
This corporation is the heaviest exporter of lumber on the coast, and ship as far east as Denver, and as far south as the City of Mexico, in each of which places they maintain regularly established agencies. During the past year the Booth-Kelly Co. purchased from the O &n C R R, one block of 20,000 acres of fine timber land on Mill Creek and Mohawk, afterward 10,000 acres, and other smaller lots, aggregating nearly 40,000 acres of land, in this section. To place this timber on the market it was necessary to have a railroad running to their mills. Accordingly a proposition was made to the Southern Pacific to build a branch road from Eugene to Isabel, the Booth-Kelly Co. agreeing to secure right of way, furnish ties and provide 2,500 cars of freight annually for five years. The railroad accepted the offer, and after two months attention to details the Booth-Kelly Co. is able to announce that the right of way is practically assured. Chief Engineer Hood, of the Southern Pacific, located at San Francisco, was officially notified of this fact on August 20, and a request made that construction commence at once. In replying Mr. Hood accepted all conditions and notified the lumbermen that he would immediately issue a call for bids for grading and bridges, to be handed in at his San Francisco office. Engineer Hollidge will have the work under his immediate control and states that preference will be given local bidders on both bridges and grading. It is understood a number of our contractors will furnish estimates. On its part, the Southern Pacific states the road will be very substantially built, but few trestles being contemplated, all grades and fills. This is in accordance with the surveys already made by the railroad engineers.
With possibly few minor exceptions, the route of the road will be as follows:
From Eugene to Henderson station on S.P. main line, thence across the Willamette river, either above or below steel bridge, to be determined in a few days upon engineers report of foundation for piers; thence to Natron track and along same three miles to Gorrie's farm, where new track will again be built; thence across the farms of Messrs Henning, Beard, Comegys, Ebbert and Vitus to a point where the McKenzie river will be spanned 50 feet below the Hayden bridge; thence along the Mohawk to the Spores farm where a bridge will be erected across said stream 350 feet below the wagon bridge; the next crossing will be just below the mouth of Mill creek, which stream will be ascended to the old mill site, the present terminus of the road, the branch will be about 18 1/2 miles long. It may interest many to know that the right of way and ties will cost the Booth-Kelly Company approximately $23,000, the cost of the former alone exceeding $12,000.
Several sections of land have been secured at the terminus, Isabel, and here the company's mill, store, hotel and other buildings will form the nucleus of a thriving village, having as its start a steady pat roll for 300 men in regular employment.
The Booth-Kelly Co. mill at Saginaw has already commenced sawing ties for the new line, and the bridge timbers will likely be furnished from this point.
Work on the railroad and the new mill and buildings will be carried on with all possible speed. It is expected that trains will be running to the mill, and that the mill will be in operation by February 1, 1900.
The Booth-Kelly Co. recently purchased the Berry mill, formerly located at Breitenbush Creek, on the O C & E Ry, and the same is now ready to be transferred to its new location. It will be shipped to Springfield, and hauled from there to Isabel on heavy logging trucks. The capacity of this mill will be 125,000 feet each 11 hours and it will be run to its full capacity.
The work of erecting the buildings at the mill site will be in charge of Geo. Kelly of the firm. They will include the main mill, store, hotels, dry kilns, planing mills, bunk houses, cottages, etc, and is in itself a task of no small importance. For this work about 75 mechanics will be required for several months. The mill at Isabel owned by C. Cole is getting out the lumber for these buildings.
The Booth-Kelly Co. was recently granted a franchise on Mill Creek, and will use it for logging purposes. The logging will be operated by flash dams, and on account of the extent of the industry the stream will be blocked most of the time.
As the timber is consumed it is the intention to extend the road farther along the Mohawk. The company estimates that they have enough timber on hand to operate for at least 50 years.
Offices will be established in Eugene and all trains will be made up from from railroad yards in this city, sawed at the Mohawk mill. The offices in this city will be connected with the three mills by a private telephone line for the facilitating of business, and this work will also soon be begun.
Trains will run on the branch daily except Sunday.
The operation of this large enterprise means the development, on a gigantic scale, of an enterprise destined to be one of the most important in Lane county. Eugene in particular, and Western Oregon in general, are to be congratulated on the acquisition of so much capital in active business affairs. Its influence will bring other thousands of dollars to this section.
Members of the company have been in close conference in this city today and sent out an order for new machinery, which is expected to arrive soon. The order included six boilers for the mill, having a capacity of 500 horsepower, and two boilers for the planing mill having a capacity of 250 horsepower; also four planers capable of smoothing down a stick 24x30 inches, 100 feet long, or working an inch moulding. Machinery for the dry kiln will guarantee the drying of 50,000 feet of lumber in 12 hours." (The Eugene City Guard)
Officers of the company are: Jno. F. Kelly, President; R. S. Booth, vice president; Geo. Kelly, secretary; Z. S. Cather, manager and Treasurer. They are all Oregon men, and their past success and present enterprise indicate conservative business judgment and ability to successfully handle a business of this dimension. Their estimated monthly pay roll is $25,000 for the three mills.
This corporation is the heaviest exporter of lumber on the coast, and ship as far east as Denver, and as far south as the City of Mexico, in each of which places they maintain regularly established agencies. During the past year the Booth-Kelly Co. purchased from the O &n C R R, one block of 20,000 acres of fine timber land on Mill Creek and Mohawk, afterward 10,000 acres, and other smaller lots, aggregating nearly 40,000 acres of land, in this section. To place this timber on the market it was necessary to have a railroad running to their mills. Accordingly a proposition was made to the Southern Pacific to build a branch road from Eugene to Isabel, the Booth-Kelly Co. agreeing to secure right of way, furnish ties and provide 2,500 cars of freight annually for five years. The railroad accepted the offer, and after two months attention to details the Booth-Kelly Co. is able to announce that the right of way is practically assured. Chief Engineer Hood, of the Southern Pacific, located at San Francisco, was officially notified of this fact on August 20, and a request made that construction commence at once. In replying Mr. Hood accepted all conditions and notified the lumbermen that he would immediately issue a call for bids for grading and bridges, to be handed in at his San Francisco office. Engineer Hollidge will have the work under his immediate control and states that preference will be given local bidders on both bridges and grading. It is understood a number of our contractors will furnish estimates. On its part, the Southern Pacific states the road will be very substantially built, but few trestles being contemplated, all grades and fills. This is in accordance with the surveys already made by the railroad engineers.
With possibly few minor exceptions, the route of the road will be as follows:
From Eugene to Henderson station on S.P. main line, thence across the Willamette river, either above or below steel bridge, to be determined in a few days upon engineers report of foundation for piers; thence to Natron track and along same three miles to Gorrie's farm, where new track will again be built; thence across the farms of Messrs Henning, Beard, Comegys, Ebbert and Vitus to a point where the McKenzie river will be spanned 50 feet below the Hayden bridge; thence along the Mohawk to the Spores farm where a bridge will be erected across said stream 350 feet below the wagon bridge; the next crossing will be just below the mouth of Mill creek, which stream will be ascended to the old mill site, the present terminus of the road, the branch will be about 18 1/2 miles long. It may interest many to know that the right of way and ties will cost the Booth-Kelly Company approximately $23,000, the cost of the former alone exceeding $12,000.
Several sections of land have been secured at the terminus, Isabel, and here the company's mill, store, hotel and other buildings will form the nucleus of a thriving village, having as its start a steady pat roll for 300 men in regular employment.
The Booth-Kelly Co. mill at Saginaw has already commenced sawing ties for the new line, and the bridge timbers will likely be furnished from this point.
Work on the railroad and the new mill and buildings will be carried on with all possible speed. It is expected that trains will be running to the mill, and that the mill will be in operation by February 1, 1900.
The Booth-Kelly Co. recently purchased the Berry mill, formerly located at Breitenbush Creek, on the O C & E Ry, and the same is now ready to be transferred to its new location. It will be shipped to Springfield, and hauled from there to Isabel on heavy logging trucks. The capacity of this mill will be 125,000 feet each 11 hours and it will be run to its full capacity.
The work of erecting the buildings at the mill site will be in charge of Geo. Kelly of the firm. They will include the main mill, store, hotels, dry kilns, planing mills, bunk houses, cottages, etc, and is in itself a task of no small importance. For this work about 75 mechanics will be required for several months. The mill at Isabel owned by C. Cole is getting out the lumber for these buildings.
The Booth-Kelly Co. was recently granted a franchise on Mill Creek, and will use it for logging purposes. The logging will be operated by flash dams, and on account of the extent of the industry the stream will be blocked most of the time.
As the timber is consumed it is the intention to extend the road farther along the Mohawk. The company estimates that they have enough timber on hand to operate for at least 50 years.
Offices will be established in Eugene and all trains will be made up from from railroad yards in this city, sawed at the Mohawk mill. The offices in this city will be connected with the three mills by a private telephone line for the facilitating of business, and this work will also soon be begun.
Trains will run on the branch daily except Sunday.
The operation of this large enterprise means the development, on a gigantic scale, of an enterprise destined to be one of the most important in Lane county. Eugene in particular, and Western Oregon in general, are to be congratulated on the acquisition of so much capital in active business affairs. Its influence will bring other thousands of dollars to this section.
Members of the company have been in close conference in this city today and sent out an order for new machinery, which is expected to arrive soon. The order included six boilers for the mill, having a capacity of 500 horsepower, and two boilers for the planing mill having a capacity of 250 horsepower; also four planers capable of smoothing down a stick 24x30 inches, 100 feet long, or working an inch moulding. Machinery for the dry kiln will guarantee the drying of 50,000 feet of lumber in 12 hours." (The Eugene City Guard)
September 5, 1899: "Heavy Wagon.---A very large logging wagon was received here by the Booth Kelly Co. today from Saginaw. It will be used to haul the heaviest boilers to the Mohawk mill from the track at Springfield." (Daily Eugene Guard)
September 6, 1899: "The Booth-Kelly Lumber Company already rushing the construction of their new saw mill and other new buildings on Mill creek, in the Mohawk valley. Two mess buildings and one bunk house are already up and in use. Several others are being constructed. The ground for the mill foundation has been cleared and timbers for the same are being delivered. The size is 60x300 feet. Twenty wagons are already engaged in hauling freight to Coles. The mill will be completed by January 1st." (The Capital Journal)
September 8, 1899: "It is expected that before Saturday night the contract for grading the Mohawk branch of the southern Pacific railroad will be let in San Francisco. Several Oregon men are now in that city getting ready to bid. Therefore it is likely that work will begin next week throwing dirt.
The company has concluded to use steel bridges in spanning the rivers, instead of wooden ones as originally announced. The bridge across the Willamette will consist of two spans with a stone pier in the center of the river.
About fifty men are work in hauling and erecting buildings at Coles for the large Booth-Kelly sawmill." (Daily Eugene Guard)
The company has concluded to use steel bridges in spanning the rivers, instead of wooden ones as originally announced. The bridge across the Willamette will consist of two spans with a stone pier in the center of the river.
About fifty men are work in hauling and erecting buildings at Coles for the large Booth-Kelly sawmill." (Daily Eugene Guard)
September 13, 1899: "Machinery shipped.---Today's Albany Herald: 'Three carloads of the Enterprise sawmill machinery went through Albany yesterday to Lane county, where the Booth-Kelly Co. will use it in their large Mohawk mill. This ends the big sawmill of the Santiam, as this shipment included all the machinery in the buildings," (Daily Eugene Guard)
September 15, 1899: "Three carloads of the Enterprise sawmill machinery were shipped Tuesday to Lane county where the Booth Kelly Co. will use it in their large Mohawk mill. This shipment included all the machinery in the building." (The Santiam News)
September 15, 1899: "Correct.---The commissioners court has ordered an expenditure of $100 on the county road between Cole's and Mill creek, up the Mohawk. The country is sparsely settled and the heavy teaming for the Booth-Kelly mill has cut the road up badly and but for the expenditure of $100 already made by that company the road would be nearly impassable. The court's action is eminently correct." (Daily Eugene Guard)
September 21, 1899: "The Southern Pacific extensions up Mohawk and the construction of the Booth-Kelly company's big mills at the terminus, are to be pushed to rapid completion. The right-of-way for the new road has practically all been secured and paid for. Engineer Hollige has left for San Francisco in company with Mr. Blaize, a Portland contractor, and the contract for building the line will be let in San Francisco within the next few days. In the meantime the greatest degree of activity prevails in the direction of the new mills. The transportation overland from Springfield of 300 tons of machinery has already begun. About 20 teams and twice as many men will be required in getting the machinery to its destination. Twenty carpenters are at work on necessary buildings at the mill site, which was laid out Monday at a point four miles above Isabel. A petition has already been circulated asking that a post office be established at the mill site under the name of Wendling postoffice, named after one of the promoters of the enterprise." (The Plaindealer)
September 23, 1899: "The Booth Kelly Lumber Co. have let a contract for building a first class wagon road up the Mohawk river from Springfield to Isabel a distance of 18 miles, where they are erecting a saw mill with a capacity of 100,000 feet per day." (Myrtle Point Enterprise)
September 23, 1899: "A Guard representative this forenoon made the acquaintance of John Bays, of Portland, who has received the contract for grading and doing the rock work on the Mohawk branch railroad, between Eugene and the new town of Wendling, the location of the large Booth-Kelly Lumber Co's mills. He is an agreeable gentleman. Mr. Bays said that he expected to be throwing dirt on the line by next Monday morning. He will hire six men and teams here in Lane county if he can procure them. If not: he will bring his regular plant here, which has 100 head of horses, the same at present being near Snake river where he just completed a contract on the O. R. & N. Co's line. Some 50 scrapers will be unloaded from the cars at Henderson station tonight to be used in the work. He will first grade the road between where the branch leaves the Natron line, above Springfield, and the crossing of the McKenzie river, so the road can be used in delivering bridge materials. After this he intends to grade the low portions first in the Mohawk valley, completing the high ridges at his pleasure. He expects to complete the contract in 60 days if the weather holds good. He is accompanied by his son-in-law, Mr. Phillips, who will be time keeper and will also have charge of the commissary department. Tents, of all descriptions; to be used in the work, will be here Tuesday.
Engineer H. H. Hollidge returned from San Francisco this morning and he will immediately start out engineering parties setting grading stakes." (The Eugene City Guard)
Engineer H. H. Hollidge returned from San Francisco this morning and he will immediately start out engineering parties setting grading stakes." (The Eugene City Guard)
October 6, 1899: "Car load nails.---A car load of nails arrived here for the Booth Kelly Lumber Co. today. They were forwarded to the village of Wendling by freight teams today. This is the second car load received by this firm." (Daily Eugene Guard)
October 12, 1899: "George H. Kelly, who has charge of the construction of the large saw mill, planing mills, dry kilns, mess houses, etc, at the village of Wendling, in the Mohawk valley, for the Booth-Kelly Lumber Co., returned from Portland last night and left for the mill site this morning. He reports the work progressing at a favorable rate, and he thinks by the first of the year all the buildings will be completed, and all the machinery in position. At the present time the company is working in the Mohawk valley about eighty men. He said he was expecting a carload of iron tomorrow which would be taken to the mill at once. Several large boilers, and the engines, were shipped from the East yesterday and are guaranteed to arrive here in twenty-one days. These boilers are very heavy and hopes are entertained that the roads will remain in good condition until they can be delivered, as Mr. Kelley said that if the regular rains commenced before their arrival they would have to be placed on sleds and hauled in by 10 or 12 span of horses to each sled.
During the past seven days, under the supervision of L. Simon, chief teamster, seventy-four tons of freight have been delivered from the railroad to the town of Wendling. Quick work." (Daily Eugene Guard)
During the past seven days, under the supervision of L. Simon, chief teamster, seventy-four tons of freight have been delivered from the railroad to the town of Wendling. Quick work." (Daily Eugene Guard)
October 14, 1899: "Dal Gore expects to leave this week for Coles, the headquarters of the Booth-Kelly Lumber Co, where he will open up a barber shop." (Daily Eugene Guard)
October 14, 1899: "Horses arrived.---Sixteen teams arrived at Springfield last night from Snake river to work on the grade of the Mohawk railroad. They will be put to work Monday or Tuesday, or as soon as they are in condition." (Eugene City Guard)
October 17, 1899: "Wanted---75 laborers, loggers and carpenters. Apply at once to the Booth-Kelly Lumber Co., Coles. Lane Co., Oregon." (Daily Eugene Guard)
October 21, 1899: "Heavy freighting.---A car load of corrugated iron has arrived for Booth Kelly Lumber Co's new mill at Wendling in the Mohawk valley. Teams are now at work transporting this freight. In a week or ten days two or three cars of boilers are expected and they are very heavy ones. Some think that they will have to be hauled to the mill site on sleds." (Eugene City Guard)
November 1, 1899: "The Wendling Mill.---The work on the Booth-Kelly Lumber Co. Mohawk mill and other buildings is progressing favorably. Nearly all the mess and lodging houses, office, etc, are completed. The roof is nearly on the main building; which is 66x300 feet in size." (Daily Eugene Guard)
November 4, 1899: "Boiler.---One of the large boilers for the Booth-Kelly Co. mill at Wendling, up the Mohawk, arrived at Springfield Thursday night. It will take much work to haul it to the mill site." (Daily Eugene Guard)
November 8, 1899: "Fell through bridge.---Yesterday, while hauling one of the Booth-Kelly Co. boilers to Wendling with a six horse team, went through the approach to the first bridge crossing the Mohawk. He expects to have the same raised, loaded on the wagon and on the road again by this evening." (Daily Eugene Guard)
November 15, 1899: "Sawmill boilers,---One of the mammoth boilers to be used in the Booth-Kelly Mohawk mill has been placed on its permanent foundation. Mr. Simon informs us that the other will be delivered this evening. He got them through in three days. Good work considering the soft roads." (Daily Eugene Guard)
November 15, 1899: "L. Simon returned this morning from Wendling (Booth Kelly's sawmill on Mohawk creek.) He informs us that one of the larger boilers is in place and the other one will be at the mill tonight. He took the last boiler from Springfield to the mill in three days, although it tipped completely over once. It weighs 16,000 ponds and it took 24 horses to pull it. In a few days he must take a flywheel to the same place that weighs 24,000 pounds. There are ten wagon loads of freight still on the track at Springfield awaiting delivery to the mill. He is paying teamsters $6 per ton.
The roof is on the entire mill building, which is 60x300 feet, and four of the large boilers are in position, and the fifth will be in a few days." (Daily Eugene Guard)
The roof is on the entire mill building, which is 60x300 feet, and four of the large boilers are in position, and the fifth will be in a few days." (Daily Eugene Guard)
December 1, 1899: “Lester Curtis came down from Winling Thursday morning, where he has been working in the Booth-Kelly saw mill for some time. He reports work on the railroad progressing, and says the company's mill, which is 290 feet long and 60 feet wide, and having six boilers, will turn out when completed 300,000 feet of lumber every 24 hours. He intends to return to Winling in the spring.” (The Brownsville Times)
December 6, 1899: "A rumor is current that the railroad company will place a large force of men and teams on the road above the McKenzie river and rush it to completion. This is necessary, it is stated, as they have contracted with the Booth-Kelly Lumber Company to have it completed and in operation to Wendling by February. This seems nearly impossible, so much time having been already wasted. But men, horses and money will do great things even in a short time building railroads.
Everything is progressing favorably at the mill, and it is predicted that the saws will be running by February 1st." (The Eugene Guard)
Everything is progressing favorably at the mill, and it is predicted that the saws will be running by February 1st." (The Eugene Guard)
December 15, 1899: "The laying of rails will soon begin on the Mohawk railroad to be built between Eugene and the Booth-Kelly mills on the Mohawk." (Albany Democrat)
December 1899: “The Booth-Kelly mill, on Mohawk creek, is nearing completion. The mill building is 60 x 300 feet. The mill is equipped with five boilers. Machinery for the mill was unloaded at Springfield. The flywheel on one of the engines weighed 24,000 pounds and took 24 horses to handle it.” (The Columbia River and Oregon Timberman)
1900
January 18, 1900: “Snow at the Booth-Kelly mill at Wendling is interfering with the work of the tramways.” (The Brownsville Times)
January 18, 1900: "Ed Wegman came down from Wendling yesterday. The Booth-Kelly company's men are taking a few days lay off and will resume work Monday. They are waiting for arrival of balance of machinery. They will be ready to start the mill within the next three weeks.
They have fifty-five men at work in and about the mill under direction of Mr Wegman who is foreman of construction.
From 90 to 100 logs are being put into the mill pond every day. By the time the mill is ready to start there will be a good run of logs on hand." (Eugene Morning Register)
They have fifty-five men at work in and about the mill under direction of Mr Wegman who is foreman of construction.
From 90 to 100 logs are being put into the mill pond every day. By the time the mill is ready to start there will be a good run of logs on hand." (Eugene Morning Register)
January 1900: “The Booth-Kelly Lumber Company, of Grants Pass and Saginaw, is erecting what will probably be the largest mill in the state, on the Mohawk river. The Southern Pacific railway is building a spur into this camp, which promises to be one of the greatest lumber producers on the coast.” (The Columbia River and Oregon Timberman)
January 1900: “George H. Kelly, superintendent of the Booth-Kelly Company's sawmill at Wendling, says the mill will be ready to saw lumber in a short time. However, the mill will not be started up until the railroad is completed, which will probably be next summer.” (The Columbia River and Oregon Timberman)
February 1, 1900: "The Booth-Kelly company have expended in the neighborhood of $10,000 on the mill dam alone at their Wendling mills. The log rolling device which the company has also placed in their mill is an apparatus that does away with adjusting logs by hand. All of the machinery has now been placed in position ready for operation." (Statesman Journal)
February 1, 1900: "Upper Mohawk.---Merchant Cole was in our city this week from the upper Mohawk, and informs us that things are progressing nicely at the Wendling sawmill. Most of the machinery has been delivered, much of the last being delivered on mud sleds pulled by from eight to fourteen horse teams. He informs us that Gilliam & Neal are making great progress with their logging contract of 4,000,000 feet for the Coburg sawmill, and that Oscar Parsons is getting fairly started with his 2,000,000 feet contract for the same mill. Mohawk will see live times this summer and fall, is the general opinion." (Daily Eugene Guard)
February 7, 1900: "Geo Kelly is the postmaster at Wendling, the site of the new mills of the Booth-Kelly Co." (Eugene Morning Register)
February 14, 1900: "One six-horse freight team and one four-horse team loaded here today with brick and provisions for the Booth-Kelly mill at Wendling." (Daily Eugene Guard)
February 23, 1900: "The road and bridge work done in the county the past four years has been of the substantial kind. One instance of necessary bridge building was up the Mohawk where nearly a score of bridges had to be rebuilt to admit of heavy transportation by the Booth-Kelly Co of their machinery and freight to the new mill." (Eugene Morning Register)
March 1, 1900: "R. A. Booth arrived here today from the Booth-Kelly mill at Wendling. Mr. Booth states the mill will start up about March 12, cutting 80,000 feet per day, on a new contract with the Southern Pacific for a telephone line connecting Coburg, Wendling, Springfield, Saginaw and Cottage Grove with their new main office to be established in this city. It will be a private line.
When the Mohawk railroad is finished the Wendling mill will cut 180,000 feet per day. Mr. Booth unreservedly states this mill is the best in the state." (The Daily Eugene Guard)
When the Mohawk railroad is finished the Wendling mill will cut 180,000 feet per day. Mr. Booth unreservedly states this mill is the best in the state." (The Daily Eugene Guard)
March 2, 1900: "Some day the people of Lane county will awaken to a full realization of the importance attached to her lumbering interests. Today there is more standing timber in her forests than in any other county in the state, and it is bound to be sought after in the markets of the world.
East of Eugene in the very heart of the timber belt the Booth-Kelly company have planted a magnificent mill at big cost that will make money for the projectors and at the same time turn golden twenties into the pockets of its employes.
Beginning the first of the week the big mill will fill the slumbering woodlands with a busy hum that means employment to fully 250 men and the production of 250,000 feet of lumber every 24 hours.
Wendling, the name which gives location to this new enterprise, is already building into quite a little city. The company will build 30 new residences for the accommodation of employes who who want homes for themselves, while many of the men will construct homes of their own. When the new road is completed the product of the mill will begin finding its way out to market.
It is said the company expects to have constructed another mill like the present one, in another locality. Mike McCarty, the efficient millwright who had supervision of the Wendling mills, has several other contracts in tow and will be a busy man this summer.
Lane county is all right and her lumbering interests, given such an added impetus by the energy and business sagacity of the Booth-Kelly Co, will help to forge her to the front as the banner lumbering section of the state." (Eugene Morning Register)
East of Eugene in the very heart of the timber belt the Booth-Kelly company have planted a magnificent mill at big cost that will make money for the projectors and at the same time turn golden twenties into the pockets of its employes.
Beginning the first of the week the big mill will fill the slumbering woodlands with a busy hum that means employment to fully 250 men and the production of 250,000 feet of lumber every 24 hours.
Wendling, the name which gives location to this new enterprise, is already building into quite a little city. The company will build 30 new residences for the accommodation of employes who who want homes for themselves, while many of the men will construct homes of their own. When the new road is completed the product of the mill will begin finding its way out to market.
It is said the company expects to have constructed another mill like the present one, in another locality. Mike McCarty, the efficient millwright who had supervision of the Wendling mills, has several other contracts in tow and will be a busy man this summer.
Lane county is all right and her lumbering interests, given such an added impetus by the energy and business sagacity of the Booth-Kelly Co, will help to forge her to the front as the banner lumbering section of the state." (Eugene Morning Register)
March 9, 1900: "R. A. Booth arrived here today from the Booth-Kelly mill at Wendling. Mr. Booth states the mill will start up about March 12, cutting 80,000 feet per day on a new contract of 10,000,000 feet just signed by them.---Guard." (Albany Democrat)
March 9, 1900: "The Mohawk road is in a terrible condition from the heavy teaming of the Booth-Kelly Co." (Morning Register)
March 13, 1900: "The large Wendling sawmill, located on Mill creek, in the Mohawk valley, and owned by the Booth, Kelly Co., will start up for active work tomorrow forenoon. The mill for a few weeks will cut about 75,000 feet per day, but will, in a few months, when the railroad is completed, saw about 120,000 feet daily.
The mill, when run to its full capacity, will cut 240,000 feet each 24 hours.
The plant is fully equipped with dry houses and all the latest sawmill machinery known.
George H. Kelly will superintend this mill." (Daily Eugene Guard)
The mill, when run to its full capacity, will cut 240,000 feet each 24 hours.
The plant is fully equipped with dry houses and all the latest sawmill machinery known.
George H. Kelly will superintend this mill." (Daily Eugene Guard)
March 20, 1900: "The Booth-Kelly Company's mill at Wendling is now in active operation. They have about four million feet of logs at the mill and at the present time employ 70 men. The force will soon be increased to 150 men and the output of lumber will be largely increased." (Eugene Morning Register)
April 8, 1900: "Mr. Booth considers the timber of the Mohawk valley superior to that of the McKenzie. 'Of course the superiority is only noticeable in patches,' said Mr. Booth, 'much has been destroyed by forest fires, but the remainder is of a finer quality than the timber along the McKenzie river." (Eugene Morning Register)
April 19, 1900: "W P Nichols and Geo Whitbeck arrived in town yesterday afternoon with the news that John Hecigan, an employe of the Booth-Kelly lumber company, while felling a tree at the Wendling mills Tuesday, was struck in its decent by one of the limbs, and injured so severely that he died yesterday morning at 7 o'clock. The unfortunate man was standing on a log when the tree toppled over suddenly in his direction. He turned to flee but too late; a large limb of the falling tree struck him to the ground and in falling, his arm came in contact with a double-bladed axe, embedded in a log, which lacerated that member in a frightful manner. The injured man was removed and medical assistance procured, when it was ascertained that he was fatally injured internally and death took place at the time above stated.
Hecigan was aged about 50 years, and unmarried. He originally lived in Howell, Livingston county, Mich, where several brothers and sisters of the deceased still reside.
Funeral services will be held this afternoon at 2 o'clock followed with interment in Baxter's cemetery near Isabel." (Morning Register)
Hecigan was aged about 50 years, and unmarried. He originally lived in Howell, Livingston county, Mich, where several brothers and sisters of the deceased still reside.
Funeral services will be held this afternoon at 2 o'clock followed with interment in Baxter's cemetery near Isabel." (Morning Register)
April 30, 1900: "The Booth-Kelly Lumber Co. has a contract for 10,000,000 feet of ties, for the S. P. R. R. The large mill at Wendling is at work on the contract now. It cut 90,000 feet Saturday easily and expects to cut from now on 100,000 feet each day.
A platform, 700 feet has been laid near the mill to load cars from. Twenty cars can thus be loaded at at time." (The Daily Eugene Guard)
A platform, 700 feet has been laid near the mill to load cars from. Twenty cars can thus be loaded at at time." (The Daily Eugene Guard)
May 8, 1900: "Wendling Sawmill.---The Wendling sawmill is now cutting 100,000 feet of ties daily. They expect to cut 150,000 feet in a few days." (Daily Eugene Guard)
May 14, 1900: "It is reported that the Booth-Kelly Lumber company has employed 120 Japanese coolies to work at their plant at Wendling. Mr. Booth is the man who is running for joint senator on the Republican ticket.---Junction Bulletin. Here is a lie made out of whole cloth. There is not a Jap nor a Chinaman employed in any department of work by the Booth-Kelly Co at Wendling. This is on par with the campaign methods employed by other fusion sheets in the county and is a boomerang against the party of fusion that, being without an issue and legitimate argument daily parades the weakness of its cause by unfurling falsehood and misrepresentation to the breeze." (Eugene Morning Register)
May 19, 1900: "Jerry Graves, whose leg was broken by the severing of a cable at the Booth-Kelly Wendling mills, laid aside his crutches yesterday. Owing to the complicated nature of the break, the bone healed very slowly. Mr Graves will leave for his home in Everett, Wash, today." (Morning Register)
May 26, 1900: "The Booth-Kelly Company have commenced the erection of their new dry kiln." (Morning Register)
June 9, 1900: "Mr and Mrs Pat Steward have taken charge of the boarding house at the logging camp No. 1 for Booth-Kelly Co." (Morning Register)
June 21, 1900: "L Wentz, a member of the new Wendling band, arrived in town yesterday to take out the new instruments ordered through F A Rankin. Mr. Wentz also returned with machinery and repairs for the Booth-Kelly mills." (Morning Register)
June 22, 1900: "Yesterday the G N Frazer Iron Works received an orders for two large donkey, or logging engines. One a 35 horse power engine for the Booth-Kelly mills at Wendling." (Eugene Morning Register)
June 30, 1900: "The Booth-Kelly mill is putting out lumber at the rate of 150,000 feet a day, and as the product cannot be shipped until the road is completed, the woods are just full of new lumber." (The Daily Eugene Guard)
August 3, 1900: "The Booth-Kelly saw mill at Wendling recently cut 171,000 feet of lumber in a day, breaking the record of the mill." (Albany Democrat)
August 7, 1900: "Grading on the Mohawk railroad is now completed to Wendling. The grading crews have left the works and leave Springfield today for Portland.
Tracklaying is progressing rapidly, the rails are being now laid to within seven miles of Wendling. The track gang has been increased and is putting down a half mile of track a day.
It is expected that the first train will be run over the new road about August 20." (Morning Register)
Tracklaying is progressing rapidly, the rails are being now laid to within seven miles of Wendling. The track gang has been increased and is putting down a half mile of track a day.
It is expected that the first train will be run over the new road about August 20." (Morning Register)
August 7, 1900: "Coroner G W Griffin and Dr W L Cheshire arrived home late last night from Wendling where they went to investigate the death of young Charles Holt, the 15-year-old boy found dead under a sled he had been hauling water on for the Booth, Kelly & Company mill. It appeared to have been purely accidental and the following jury summoned by the coroner brought in a verdict to that effect: J V Moorhead, J T Hair, L W Kaufman, E M Lance, W Pennington and L Wentz.
The body of the boy was brought to Eugene by F F Hubbard, Wm Foster, M B Wood and Wm Duryee, employees of the mill, and taken to Harrisburg on the 1:06 train today. The funeral will occur at the Muddy cemetery tomorrow. Dr Smith and wife and H Wilcox and wife, the ladies being sisters of the Holt boy, accompanied the remains to Harrisburg from this point." (Daily Eugene Guard)
The body of the boy was brought to Eugene by F F Hubbard, Wm Foster, M B Wood and Wm Duryee, employees of the mill, and taken to Harrisburg on the 1:06 train today. The funeral will occur at the Muddy cemetery tomorrow. Dr Smith and wife and H Wilcox and wife, the ladies being sisters of the Holt boy, accompanied the remains to Harrisburg from this point." (Daily Eugene Guard)
August 8, 1900: "The Booth-Kelly mills at Wendling closed down Saturday on account of the piston head of the main engine breaking. G N Frazer is making the repairs." (Eugene Morning Register)
August 28, 1900: "Yesterday the Frazer Iron Works completed the shafting to be used in the Booth-Kelly planing mill, Wendling." (Eugene Morning Register)
August 29, 1900: "Glen Anderson, who has been engaged in felling trees for the Booth-Kelly mill at Wendling. met with an accident this morning about two miles from the mill.
A large tree which he had felled struck a smaller one, breaking the top of it off. This tree top struck Anderson on the head, knocking him down and badly bruising him. On examination it was found that the nose was broken, and he was otherwise disfigured. Anderson was unconscious for some time after the accident.
Dr Cheshire left to attend the injured man, in response to a telephone message sent him." (The Daily Eugene Guard)
A large tree which he had felled struck a smaller one, breaking the top of it off. This tree top struck Anderson on the head, knocking him down and badly bruising him. On examination it was found that the nose was broken, and he was otherwise disfigured. Anderson was unconscious for some time after the accident.
Dr Cheshire left to attend the injured man, in response to a telephone message sent him." (The Daily Eugene Guard)
August 31, 1900: "The little city of Wendling are anxiously awaiting the arrival of the first train which is expected to arrive Friday or Saturday. It is understood quite a number from Eugene will take advantage of the extension. The stockholders of the Booth-Kelly Co are expected to visit Wendling, lay off the town site and name the streets. We hope soon to have the houses numbered and a free mail delivery." (Morning Register)
September 4, 1900: "Now that the Mohawk railroad is completed to Wendling an unprecedented era of business activity will be set in motion in Eastern Lane. Trainload after trainload of lumber will come rumbling out of the forests and find its way into the markets of the world. The Booth-Kelly Co's enormous enterprise in turning out 250,000 feet of lumber a day at their Wendling mill is bound to put thousands of dollars per month in circulation in Lane county. A conservative estimate of the payroll of this big firm at Wendling, Saginaw and Coburg cannot be less than $20,000 a month. A quarter of a million a year in hard cash sent circulating in Lane cannot help but materially benefit every citizen of the county." and "The big dam at the Booth-Kelly mills at Wendling will be completed today. The gates were placed yesterday. This dam is 24 feet high and the gates are 12x13. This will let an immense amount of water down for flooding logs to the mill." and "The railroad was completed to within 40 rods of Wendling last Sunday evening. A small bridge of 40 feet was completed yesterday, and trains will reach Wendling today." (Eugene Morning Register)
September 10, 1900: "The large Wendling sawmill, owned by the Booth-Kelly Lumber Co. is now sawing on orders, and today loaded its first cars, seven in number, with lumber for the general markets.
On account of the S. P. R. R. being unable to furnish cars much delay is being experienced at this mill and also at Coburg; where the company's mill is now only running half time." (Daily Eugene Guard)
On account of the S. P. R. R. being unable to furnish cars much delay is being experienced at this mill and also at Coburg; where the company's mill is now only running half time." (Daily Eugene Guard)
September 10, 1900: "Baxter Howard has an offer of a good job in the Booth-Kelly mill at Wendling and expects to leave for that place in about two weeks." (Daily Eugene Guard)
September 23, 1900: "At the Hoffman House parlors Friday evening at 5 o'clock, Mr W M Hawley of Wendling and Mre Lucy Hanna of Portland, were united in marriage, Rev J T Merrill officiating.
The couple leave this morning for Wendling. Mr Hawley is connected with the carpentry department at the Booth-Kelly mill." (Morning Register)
The couple leave this morning for Wendling. Mr Hawley is connected with the carpentry department at the Booth-Kelly mill." (Morning Register)
September 28, 1900: "The new planer at the Booth-Kelly saw mills at Wendling is expected to start up today. It is one of the largest Planers on the Coast and will dress an immense amount of lumber." (Morning Register)
September 30, 1900: "Six to ten car loads of lumber pass through Springfield every day from the Booth-Kelly mills at Wendling, and still they are not getting cars fast enough to meet the demand." (Eugene Morning Register)
October 5, 1900: "The prevailing freight car famine on the Southern Pacific through this valley indicates the general business activity of the country. From the time the Mohawk branch was completed to Booth-Kelly Co's mill at Wendling until the present that firm has been unable to secure cars sufficient to fill their orders, and the same condition exists at the Coburg mill. Yet, after all it is better for the country to be over-run with business than to have none at all." (Morning Register)
October 7, 1900: "Roy Groger assistant book-keeper at Wendling for the Booth-Kelly Co is in town." (Morning Register)
October 19, 1900: "The Columbia River and Oregon Timberman for October has the following regarding the big mill of the Booth-Kelly Company at Wendling.
At the new town of Wendling, 22 1/2 miles northeast of Eugene, on a branch of the Mohawk that flows into the McKenzie about 7 miles east of Eugene, is located the new mill of the Booth-Kelly Company. The new mill is one of the most complete plants in the state, and was built to cut 175,000 feet every ten hours. The mill building is over 300 feet long, 80 feet wide, and two stories in height. The motive power is supplied by five engines which develop 600 horse power. The boiler room is equipped with a battery of six boilers, automatically fed by sawdust conveyors. One hundred and fifty men are employed, and while the mill is only partially completed it has turned out 100,000 feet in ten hours. A big gang edger will be installed at an early date. George Kelly is general superintendent of the company's mills located at Wendling, Coburg and Saginaw. Jack McGladney, of Mill No. 1, Saginaw, is superintendent. Emmett Mason, formerly with Inman, Poulsen & Co, of Portland, is filer; Sam Boyd is Sawyer, Frank Lenhart, edgerman, and Mr. McCarthy, who superintended the erection of the mill, is engineer. One hundred and fifty men are employed. The company has laid out a townsite and contemplate building seventy-five cottages for the use of their employes. A good church and school building will be erected in the near future. Manager R A Booth, upon whose able shoulders the management of this company rests, has wisely decided not to allow a saloon to be built at Wendling. Saloons in close proximity to any large enterprise are a curse. The head offices of the company are located at Eugene and are connected by a complete telephone system." (Daily Eugene Guard)
At the new town of Wendling, 22 1/2 miles northeast of Eugene, on a branch of the Mohawk that flows into the McKenzie about 7 miles east of Eugene, is located the new mill of the Booth-Kelly Company. The new mill is one of the most complete plants in the state, and was built to cut 175,000 feet every ten hours. The mill building is over 300 feet long, 80 feet wide, and two stories in height. The motive power is supplied by five engines which develop 600 horse power. The boiler room is equipped with a battery of six boilers, automatically fed by sawdust conveyors. One hundred and fifty men are employed, and while the mill is only partially completed it has turned out 100,000 feet in ten hours. A big gang edger will be installed at an early date. George Kelly is general superintendent of the company's mills located at Wendling, Coburg and Saginaw. Jack McGladney, of Mill No. 1, Saginaw, is superintendent. Emmett Mason, formerly with Inman, Poulsen & Co, of Portland, is filer; Sam Boyd is Sawyer, Frank Lenhart, edgerman, and Mr. McCarthy, who superintended the erection of the mill, is engineer. One hundred and fifty men are employed. The company has laid out a townsite and contemplate building seventy-five cottages for the use of their employes. A good church and school building will be erected in the near future. Manager R A Booth, upon whose able shoulders the management of this company rests, has wisely decided not to allow a saloon to be built at Wendling. Saloons in close proximity to any large enterprise are a curse. The head offices of the company are located at Eugene and are connected by a complete telephone system." (Daily Eugene Guard)
November 22, 1900: "New Church Building.---The Booth-Kelly Lumber Co has let a contract to Alley & Somers to do the carpenter work on a new building at Wendling to be known as the Methodist Episcopal church, for $250. All the lumber and material and painting is to be furnished by the lumber company. The work on the church building will be commenced at once." (Daily Eugene Guard)
November 23, 1900: "New Church at Wendling.---Wendling the bustling lumber camps of Lane county is to have a neat little church building through the generosity of the Booth-Kelly Co whose big mill is located at that place. The company will furnish everything necessary to complete the structure and will turn it over to the use of the church people. The liberality of this firm commends itself to the people." (Morning Register)
December 7, 1900: "Eugene Bond is hauling hay from Irving to Springfield where he ships it to Wendling to the Booth-Kelly Co." (Eugene Morning Register)
December 16, 1900: "The Booth-Kelly sawmill at Wendling is lighted by electricity." (Eugene Morning Register)
December 20, 1900: "Wm Bridewell, an employe of the big sawmill at Wendling, was injured yesterday by a flying timber striking him on the back. He came to Eugene and Dr. Kuykendall attended him." (Daily Eugene Guard)
December 23, 1900: "N B Alley has returned from Wendling where he has just completed the new church building which was presented to the people of Wendling by the Booth-Kelly Co." (Morning Register)
1901
February 2, 1901: "From ten to twenty cars loaded mostly with ties for Latham's burnetizing plant leave the Booth-Kelly mills at Wendling daily for their destination." (Eugene Morning Register)
February 2, 1901: "Messrs E E Wilson, Allen, W H Coffman and W O MczIntire of the Booth-Kelly Co, Wendling, arrived on the Springfield stage last evening. The latter two gentlemen are members of the Wendling brass band. Mr McIntire left on the early train for his home in La Fayette Oregon, having severed his connections with the Booth-Kelly Co on account of illness of his father. Mr Coffman will visit with his parents at Cottage Grove before returning to Wendling." (Eugene Morning Register)
April 5, 1901: "Hon R A Booth has returned from a trip to the Booth-Kelly mills, Wendling. While there Mr Booth took occasion to inquire into the sanitary conditions of the city and found that proper precautio0ns have not been observed to prevent the contagion resembling smallpox from spreading. The schools have not closed and persons afflicted with the malady pursue their daily vocations unrestricted. Mr. Booth also discovered that while in most cases the epidemic is not severe, two or three patients are suffering from the disease in an aggravated form.
On his return to the city Mr Booth immediately laid the matter before Judge H R Kincaid with a view to having a health officer appointed whose duty it would be to enforce more stringent quarantine regulations. The judge was loath to act without co-operation of the commissioners, who at that time had adjourned. Judge Kincaid was also of the opinion that action in the matter was outside of his jurisdiction.
Yesterday both Mr Booth and Mr J F Kelly went before the commissioners court, now in session, requesting that immediate action be taken in the matter under advisement and will render their decision today." (Morning Register)
On his return to the city Mr Booth immediately laid the matter before Judge H R Kincaid with a view to having a health officer appointed whose duty it would be to enforce more stringent quarantine regulations. The judge was loath to act without co-operation of the commissioners, who at that time had adjourned. Judge Kincaid was also of the opinion that action in the matter was outside of his jurisdiction.
Yesterday both Mr Booth and Mr J F Kelly went before the commissioners court, now in session, requesting that immediate action be taken in the matter under advisement and will render their decision today." (Morning Register)
May 4, 1901: "Mr Wolverton, an employe of the Booth-Kelly Mills, Wendling, while working about the machinery Thursday, caught his right hand in the cogs of the ratchett. Two of the fingers were amputated and it is thought a third will have to be severed." (Morning Register)
August 9, 1901: “The Booth-Kelly Lumber Co. has just closed a contract with J. M. Eddy, the contractor and builder, for the erection of 20 five-room cottages at Wendling.” (Myrtle Point Enterprise)
September 5, 1901: “Wendling saw mill was closed a part of last week for the want of logs.” (The Harrisburg Bulletin)
November 8, 1901: "Last evening the news was received in Eugene of the sad drowning of John Stinnett, an old employe of the Booth-Kelly Lumber Co, which occurred about three miles above Wendling yesterday afternoon about 4 o'clock.
The unfortunate man was engaged as head hook-tender at one of the donkey logging machines on Mill creek. At the time of the accident the crew was flushing a jam of logs. Stinnett was standing on a log at the edge of the stream when the water in rising set the log to rolling, precipitating him into the stream. The water in the creek is very swift, especially during the flushing process, but with seemingly herculean strength, the man succeeded in swimming down about 150 yards and clambered upon a log near the shore. Again he was thrown off and again he swam about 100 yards and succeeded in grasping some brush along the bank, but before assistance could reach him he was once more swept away by the turbulent waters and this time sank and was drowned.
The body was recovered about an hour after the drowning occurred and taken to Wendling.
Mr Stinnett was aged about 28 years and leaves a wife and family. He was one of the oldest employes of the company, having been with them ever since they commenced operations in Lane county, about five years ago. He was working at the Saginaw mill when the company purchased it from Mr Jones. He was also one of the most reliable men the company had and was strong and active, otherwise he would have been drowned when he first fell off the log into the creek.
The remains will be brought to Eugene this evening and taken to Cottage Grove on the overland train tonight for interment in the I O O F cemetery there. The unfortunate man was a member of the Cottage Grove lodge of Odd Fellows and the A O NU W lodge at Wendling, carrying $1000 insurance in the latter order. It is understood that he also carried a $2000 policy in an old-line insurance company besides an accident policy which allows $100 and funeral expenses." (The Daily Eugene Guard)
The unfortunate man was engaged as head hook-tender at one of the donkey logging machines on Mill creek. At the time of the accident the crew was flushing a jam of logs. Stinnett was standing on a log at the edge of the stream when the water in rising set the log to rolling, precipitating him into the stream. The water in the creek is very swift, especially during the flushing process, but with seemingly herculean strength, the man succeeded in swimming down about 150 yards and clambered upon a log near the shore. Again he was thrown off and again he swam about 100 yards and succeeded in grasping some brush along the bank, but before assistance could reach him he was once more swept away by the turbulent waters and this time sank and was drowned.
The body was recovered about an hour after the drowning occurred and taken to Wendling.
Mr Stinnett was aged about 28 years and leaves a wife and family. He was one of the oldest employes of the company, having been with them ever since they commenced operations in Lane county, about five years ago. He was working at the Saginaw mill when the company purchased it from Mr Jones. He was also one of the most reliable men the company had and was strong and active, otherwise he would have been drowned when he first fell off the log into the creek.
The remains will be brought to Eugene this evening and taken to Cottage Grove on the overland train tonight for interment in the I O O F cemetery there. The unfortunate man was a member of the Cottage Grove lodge of Odd Fellows and the A O NU W lodge at Wendling, carrying $1000 insurance in the latter order. It is understood that he also carried a $2000 policy in an old-line insurance company besides an accident policy which allows $100 and funeral expenses." (The Daily Eugene Guard)
November 19, 1901: "J T Irish of the Booth-Kelly Co at Wendling, is in the city." (The Daily Eugene Guard)
1902
September 29, 1905: “The Booth-Kelly Co. are repairing their mill at Wendling and putting it in condition for business. They announce that it will be put it in operation as soon as possible. It will probably be November 1st, before the mill is ready to start up. The other mills owned by this company are all running steadily.” (The West)
August 5, 1910: “Eugene---Fire has broken out anew on the logged-off land of the Booth-Kelly Lumber company above Wendling and has destroyed about 1,750 feet of log chute. All the company's employes, numbering 300 in that section, are again at work in an effort to keep the fire out of the standing timber.” (The Glendale News)
September 1910: "August 30, the Booth-Kelly Lumber Co.'s seventy-room bunk house, cook house, and about forty small cottages at their Wendling plant, were destroyed by fire, together with two small bridges on their logging railroad. Their green timber was only slightly damaged. Logging operations were resumed September 9th, and contracts have been let for the re-building of the burned portion of the town of Wendling, which will probably be completed by the first of next year." (The Timberman)
March 23, 1911: "The Booth-Kelly Lumber company is advertising for bids to build three miles more of logging railroad. This line will extend up one of the canyons from the company's main logging line, which runs seven miles beyond Wendling. The company already has three miles of branch roads running up different canyons and with this additional three miles it will make 13 miles of first class logging railways that they operate in that vicinity. Heretofore the company has done the grading for these roads itself, but the engineer has concluded to secure bids on this new piece of work to see if it can be done any cheaper that way." (The Twice-a week Guard)
February 21, 1913: "Construction of six more miles of logging road will be begun on Mill and Deer creeks, beyond Wendling, by the Booth-Kelly lumber company before the end of this month, according to A. C. Dixon, manager of the company. This will double the trackage of the company, and will cost more than $50,000. The preliminary surveying has already been virtually completed.
Not only does the construction of this road mean the expenditure of from $7000 to $10,000 a month for the greater part of the summer, but it also marks increased logging activities of the company, and consequent activity in the sawmills of the company at Wendling and Coburg." (Tillamook Herald)
Not only does the construction of this road mean the expenditure of from $7000 to $10,000 a month for the greater part of the summer, but it also marks increased logging activities of the company, and consequent activity in the sawmills of the company at Wendling and Coburg." (Tillamook Herald)
August 15, 1913: “The Booth-Kelley Lumber Company is advertising for bids for the construction of the Deer Creek spur of its logging railroad above Wendling. The contract will be let in a short time. Construction work on the six-mile extension of the main line of the road is progressing satisfactorily.” (The Brownsville Times)
November 28, 1913: “The Booth-Kelly Lumber Company's machine shops at Wendling were destroyed by fire last week. The loss is placed at $12,000.” (The Brownsville Times)
September 6, 1915: “Springfield News: After having been closed since the middle of July, the Booth-Kelly mill at Wendling will resume operations Monday, September 6. A new dam has been constructed and general repairs made to the mill.” (The West)
October 15, 1917: "Wendling----Planing mill of Booth Kelly Lumber company destroyed by fire will be rebuilt." (Rogue River Courier)
March 7, 1918: “Camp No. 15 of the Booth-Kelly Lumber company, recently established above Wendling, is making a record for 100 percent loyalty to the country's cause. The 41 men employed there are not only members of the Loyal Legion of Loggers and Lumbermen, but every one of them has taken out a membership in the Red Cross.” (The Glendale News)
July 12, 1922: "Workmen will start rebuilding at once the Booth-Kelly sawmill at Wendling, which burned to the ground Thursday morning with a loss of $250,000, according to A. C. Dixon, manager of the Booth-Kelly company." (Ashland Weekly Tidings)
July 14, 1922: "The big Booth-Kelly sawmill at Wendling took fire this morning at 9 o'clock and burned to the ground in a few minutes.
Reports from the fire at 10 o'clock are that the sawmill was a total loss and that the crew and townspeople were desperately battling the flames to save the planing mill and the lumber on the docks. The whole town of Wendling is threatened, and townspeople and mill crew have responded to the man to battle the flames. Eugene sent out its fire department and a special train of fire fighters and equipment has been sent from the Springfield Booth-Kelly mill.
The Wendling planing mill burned several years ago and was rebuilt. The Springfield sawmill burned in 1911 and was replaced in 1914. These previous fires cost the company many thousands of dollars, and the blaze this morning promises to cause a loss of at least $250,000." (Oregon City Enterprise)
Reports from the fire at 10 o'clock are that the sawmill was a total loss and that the crew and townspeople were desperately battling the flames to save the planing mill and the lumber on the docks. The whole town of Wendling is threatened, and townspeople and mill crew have responded to the man to battle the flames. Eugene sent out its fire department and a special train of fire fighters and equipment has been sent from the Springfield Booth-Kelly mill.
The Wendling planing mill burned several years ago and was rebuilt. The Springfield sawmill burned in 1911 and was replaced in 1914. These previous fires cost the company many thousands of dollars, and the blaze this morning promises to cause a loss of at least $250,000." (Oregon City Enterprise)
September 13, 1922: "A gasoline caterpillar shovel has been purchased by the Booth-Kelly Lumber company and is being used by that concern in excavating for logging railways in the country above Wendling." (Cannon Beach Gazette)
January 22, 1925: “J. T. Parks, aged about 25, was killed in a Booth-Kelly logging camp near Wendling when a line broke and decapitated him.” (The Drain Enterprise)
February 19, 1925: “Eugene.---The Booth-Kelly Lumber company announced that starting Saturday its mills at Springfield and Wendling will go on a five day week as a means of curtailing production and alleviating the present over supply in the market.” (The Glendale News)
September 29, 1925: "Wendling---Booth-Kelly Company starts clearing for new logging camp above Camp 34." (The News-Review)
October 31, 1925: "The Booth-Kelly Wendling plant has received this week two new yard machines. One a Fordson tractor with special equipment for hauling and pushing lumber trucks and the other a Gerlinger carrier. The congestion in the yard has been a source of much loss of time and labor so that these new machines will bring the equipment up to the high standard of the rest of the mill.
Another source of inconvenience now is the lack of water. Logs rolled off the cars at unloading rig do not have water enough to float. Rain would help and is as much needed as it was this summer." (Morning Register)
Another source of inconvenience now is the lack of water. Logs rolled off the cars at unloading rig do not have water enough to float. Rain would help and is as much needed as it was this summer." (Morning Register)
January 2, 1931: “The Wendling mill of the Booth-Kelly Lumber company, which has been idle for a number of weeks, has resumed operations. It will work three days a week.” (The New Era)
March 23, 1931: "The J. H. Chambers Lumber company's sawmill at Cottage Grove and one of the Booth-Kelly logging camps near Wendling resumed operations today." (The Oregon Statesman)
August 14, 1931: "Hugh H. Hicks, 34. planer foreman for the Booth-Kelly Lumber company at Wendling, was crushed to death today when a cable gave way, letting a load of lumber fall on him." (The Oregon Statesman)
March 16, 1932: "Officials of the Booth-Kelly Lumber company said 150 men would be returned to work at the Wendling mill and camps April 4." (The Oregon Statesman)
July 20, 1932: "Fifty men were returned to work in the Booth-Kelly Lumber company's logging camp No. 2 above Wendling yesterday. The camp had been shut down for several weeks." (The Oregon Statesman)
August 1, 1932: "Wendling---Camp No. 2 of Booth-Kelly Lumber Co., started operations." (Medford Mail Tribune)
October 4, 1932: "Fire in the McKenzie river area swept on the town of Wendling from three sides during the day. Burning embers were falling all over the town. The Southern Pacific evacuated a number of freight cars.
The Booth-Kelly lumber mill closed and the entire male populace of the town went to work soaking the roofs of buildings, none of which had caught fire at noon. This fire was an old one, thought to have been under control, but it broke out during the night and was being battled by a crew of 140." (Capital Journal)
The Booth-Kelly lumber mill closed and the entire male populace of the town went to work soaking the roofs of buildings, none of which had caught fire at noon. This fire was an old one, thought to have been under control, but it broke out during the night and was being battled by a crew of 140." (Capital Journal)
October 11, 1938: "Ovid Merrell, 23, Cottage Grove logger, was crushed to death at the Booth-Kelly logging operations near here Monday when a log broke loose on a hillside and rolled into one of two timbers between which Merrell was working." (Medford Mail Tribune)
November 18, 1938: "John Spores, 27, Wendling, lost his life yesterday when a tractor line broke and struck him at Camp Five of the Booth-Kelly Logging company. He was employed as head rigger." (The Oregon Statesman)
December 23, 1938: "Joe Boyd, representative of the AFL Carpenter and Joiners, said today the Lumber and Sawmill Workers union No. 2595 had been installed as official bargaining agent for 322 employes of the Wendling plant of the Booth-Kelly Lumber company.
The company, Boyd said, was terminating a contract with the Industrial Employers union." (The Oregon Statesman)
The company, Boyd said, was terminating a contract with the Industrial Employers union." (The Oregon Statesman)
January 13, 1944: "A bargaining agency election was ordered Tuesday by the national labor relations board for the road construction crew of the Booth-Kelly lumber plant at Wendling, Ore.
The election, to be held within 30 days, was ordered on motion of the CIO, which claims a majority of the workers. The AFL contended the crew was governed by a contract covering loggers and mill employes." (The Oregon Statesman)
The election, to be held within 30 days, was ordered on motion of the CIO, which claims a majority of the workers. The AFL contended the crew was governed by a contract covering loggers and mill employes." (The Oregon Statesman)
February 25, 1944: "The CIO International Woodworkers of America union today was named bargaining agent for road construction workers of the Booth Kelly Lumber company of Eugene, Ore.
The National Labor Relations board announced the CIO won 9 votes and the AFL 1 in an election early this month. Three votes were for no union." (Roseburg News-Review)
The National Labor Relations board announced the CIO won 9 votes and the AFL 1 in an election early this month. Three votes were for no union." (Roseburg News-Review)
February 12, 1945: "Marcola, Feb. 12---- Lloyd F. Kindt, 37, logger, was killed at the Booth-Kelly logging operation near here Saturday when a derrick boom fell on him." (Herald and News)
June 2, 1947: "Eugene, June 2 --- Two businessmen here own 67 four and six room homes, but it doesn't help their housing problem.
G. L. White and C. L. Collins, owners of an ambulance service, are living in a 12 by 14-foot part of a garage where they work. Recently they purchased the abandoned Wendling, Ore., lumber camp from the Booth-Kelly Lumber company.
'They are big four-room and six-room houses, but we haven't found a place to put them,' Collins reported." (Herald and News)
G. L. White and C. L. Collins, owners of an ambulance service, are living in a 12 by 14-foot part of a garage where they work. Recently they purchased the abandoned Wendling, Ore., lumber camp from the Booth-Kelly Lumber company.
'They are big four-room and six-room houses, but we haven't found a place to put them,' Collins reported." (Herald and News)
WENDLING