CEDARWOOD TIMBER COMPANY
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Columbia County - Vernonia
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May 17, 1940: "Coming as good news to Vernonia people who dislike to see spaces left vacant by a departed business concern is the announcement of the Cedarwood Timber Company's moving from Timber to the site formerly occupied by the Bennett (Lindsay) Sawmill. The concern moves here Thursday of this week to begin the manufacture of shakes and shingles. If enough shingle bolts can be obtained, two shifts of men will be employed; eight men directly or indirectly will work for the concern. L. E. Thompson, manager of the Cedarwood Timber Company, states that the company wants all shingle bolts available." (Vernonia Eagle)
May 17, 1940: "What should be proof that a loss on one hand is a gain in the other is exhibited this week by the announcement that a shingle mill is to locate its machinery in the former location of the Bennett mill. The shingle mill is known as the Cedarwood Timber company and was formerly located at Timber, Oregon, until the decision of the change of location was made.
The concern will employ quite a number of men in pursuing its business, men in the actual cutting operation of the mill and men engaged in supplying shingle bolts necessary for the cutting process.
The decision by that mill's management should indicate that it is of the opinion that its business can prosper at this location which should in turn lend more of a feeling of optimism to the future of the Nehalem valley." (Vernonia Eagle)
The concern will employ quite a number of men in pursuing its business, men in the actual cutting operation of the mill and men engaged in supplying shingle bolts necessary for the cutting process.
The decision by that mill's management should indicate that it is of the opinion that its business can prosper at this location which should in turn lend more of a feeling of optimism to the future of the Nehalem valley." (Vernonia Eagle)
May 31, 1940: "The shingle mill owned by the Cedarwood Timber company began operation here the latter part of last week on part of the property formerly occupied by the Bennett sawmill. The mill was located formerly at Timber but was moved here a short time ago to be more centrally located for the obtaining of shingle bolts.
The mill is to operate two shifts for a time, each shift employing seven or eight men according to its manager, Mr. Thompson. Along with the production of shingles the mill will also cut shakes, both products being sold in California." (Vernonia Eagle)
The mill is to operate two shifts for a time, each shift employing seven or eight men according to its manager, Mr. Thompson. Along with the production of shingles the mill will also cut shakes, both products being sold in California." (Vernonia Eagle)
September 13, 1940: "The addition of another six-hour shift which will employ an additional crew of men is planned to begin within a short time at the shingle mill being operated by the Cedarwood Timber company, it was learned this week. L. C. Cotner, general manager of the mill, is in Vernonia this week to plan for the increase if objections to the mill, raised a short time ago, can be overcome.
The present mill payroll approximately $1,000 every ten days and will be increased to $1,500 every ten days with the extra shift. The new shift will operate the mill for six days of the week.
If present difficulties facing the company are removed the building of a cedar sawmill which will saw cedar lumber, is planned. That mill will be a separate unit from the one now operating but will be located on property just back of the shingle mill.
In addition to the new mill a storage shed 40 by 75 feet in dimension is planned for protection of shingles is to be completed within the next 30 days according to Mr. Cotner.
A run of over two years is inn prospect for the company judging by the amount of cedar timber available, it was stated." (Vernonia Eagle)
The present mill payroll approximately $1,000 every ten days and will be increased to $1,500 every ten days with the extra shift. The new shift will operate the mill for six days of the week.
If present difficulties facing the company are removed the building of a cedar sawmill which will saw cedar lumber, is planned. That mill will be a separate unit from the one now operating but will be located on property just back of the shingle mill.
In addition to the new mill a storage shed 40 by 75 feet in dimension is planned for protection of shingles is to be completed within the next 30 days according to Mr. Cotner.
A run of over two years is inn prospect for the company judging by the amount of cedar timber available, it was stated." (Vernonia Eagle)
October 11, 1940: "An additional crew of men, over those already employed, was given work the first of this week by the Cedarwood Timber company at its mill here according to information released by L. C. Cotner, general manager of the concern.
The new shift began work Tuesday. In addition to this week's increase it is planned to place still another group of men at work in a third shift within a short time.
The construction of a storage shed is nearing completion also it was stated. The shed will be used to house shingles before shipment is made.
According to Cotner there are at present 10 men at work near Keasey cutting shingle bolts. In addition to that camp another was opened Sunday on the St. Helens mountain to provide additional material for the mill. The new camp on the St. Helens mountain is located just this side of the summit, it was stated.
Employes at the mill recently signed a closed shop agreement with the A. F. of L.., it was also learned." (Vernonia Eagle)
The new shift began work Tuesday. In addition to this week's increase it is planned to place still another group of men at work in a third shift within a short time.
The construction of a storage shed is nearing completion also it was stated. The shed will be used to house shingles before shipment is made.
According to Cotner there are at present 10 men at work near Keasey cutting shingle bolts. In addition to that camp another was opened Sunday on the St. Helens mountain to provide additional material for the mill. The new camp on the St. Helens mountain is located just this side of the summit, it was stated.
Employes at the mill recently signed a closed shop agreement with the A. F. of L.., it was also learned." (Vernonia Eagle)
June 6, 1941: "In answering the request Mayor Bollinger reminded that the council had conducted a hearing last year with L. C. Cotner, general manager of the Cedarwood Timber company, and had discussed regulations which would ease disturbances of the mill.
No solution to the problem was gained Monday but the matter was postponed for two weeks when Mr. Cotner will be here and the matter may be discussed again. The two-week stay of action was requested by John L. Foote, St. Helens attorney representing the shingle company and the Harris estate upon which the mill is located.
A good-sized attendance of business men and residents of the city heard the evenings discussion." (Vernonia Eagle)
No solution to the problem was gained Monday but the matter was postponed for two weeks when Mr. Cotner will be here and the matter may be discussed again. The two-week stay of action was requested by John L. Foote, St. Helens attorney representing the shingle company and the Harris estate upon which the mill is located.
A good-sized attendance of business men and residents of the city heard the evenings discussion." (Vernonia Eagle)
June 20, 1941: "A continuation of the discussion heard two weeks ago at the city council meeting was heard again Monday evening as determined at that previous time when it was decided to wait until L. C. Cotner, general manager of the Cedarwood Timber company, could be present and an attempt to reach an agreement on the question be made.
Cotner was here Monday evening from Los Angeles to meet with the council and an agreement was made. As was decided, the mill will continue to operate for 60 days at the end of which time all cutting of shingle bolts will have been completed; the shake-manufacturing machine will be moved from the mill to the timber where the bolts are cut within 10 days; the mill will operate from 8 o'clock until 5 o'clock; sawdust from the conveyor and burner will be eliminated as much as possible by a sprinkler; and the back of the mill will be boarded up in an attempt to reduce the amount of sawdust." (Vernonia Eagle)
Cotner was here Monday evening from Los Angeles to meet with the council and an agreement was made. As was decided, the mill will continue to operate for 60 days at the end of which time all cutting of shingle bolts will have been completed; the shake-manufacturing machine will be moved from the mill to the timber where the bolts are cut within 10 days; the mill will operate from 8 o'clock until 5 o'clock; sawdust from the conveyor and burner will be eliminated as much as possible by a sprinkler; and the back of the mill will be boarded up in an attempt to reduce the amount of sawdust." (Vernonia Eagle)
September 24, 1942: "Sparks from the burner of the Cedarwood Timber company shingle mill ignited nearby brush Monday afternoon at about 4:00 o'clock. Trucks called from the Pittsburg Guard Station to put out the brush fire were prompt in doing so." (Vernonia Eagle)
July 8, 1943: "Thursday morning saw the Cedarwood Timber company shingle mill crew of seven men back at work after a shutdown of over a month, due to a fire which badly damaged the mill on May 27. Rebuilding started almost immediately, and it was hoped that operations could resume two weeks ago. However, L. E. Thompson, manager of the mill, was pleased to start up when he did." (Vernonia Eagle)
October 31, 1946: "Vernonia mat lose one of its industries within the next 30 days, information released by L. C. Cotner, owner of the Cedarwood Timber company mill said early this week. Mr. Cotner was here from Los Angeles, California, from Sunday to Monday on a business trip.
Present plans are to move the mill equipment to a setting in California because of the difficulty in obtaining logs locally. Definite location for the mill change has not been established." (Vernonia Eagle)
Present plans are to move the mill equipment to a setting in California because of the difficulty in obtaining logs locally. Definite location for the mill change has not been established." (Vernonia Eagle)
January 2, 1947: "Just part of the Cedarwood Timber company's Vernonia mill will be removed and the work is already started in that direction Manager E. C. Koski said Monday when he announced that shipment will be made this week. The mill has been operating during the past year with two shingle machines on a part time basis due to the difficulty in obtaining sufficient logs to make possible full-time operation.
The plan being carried out now is that one machine and a power unit is to go to the vicinity of Eureka, California, and one machine is to remain here. During 1947 or as long as timber is available here the company plans to operate the one machine on a two-shift basis full time as nearly as possible. This new set-up calls for a seven-man crew to operate the mill.
The Cedarwood logging equipment, which has been in operation here, will remain, Mr. Koski said. He and his family will move to California where he will act as manager of the new plant and his place here will be taken by E. C. Miller.
An announcement several months ago was made that the mill was to be removed entirely from this area and reestablished in California. Difficulties arising in the meantime in obtaining sufficient logs there led to the change in plans." (Vernonia Eagle)
The plan being carried out now is that one machine and a power unit is to go to the vicinity of Eureka, California, and one machine is to remain here. During 1947 or as long as timber is available here the company plans to operate the one machine on a two-shift basis full time as nearly as possible. This new set-up calls for a seven-man crew to operate the mill.
The Cedarwood logging equipment, which has been in operation here, will remain, Mr. Koski said. He and his family will move to California where he will act as manager of the new plant and his place here will be taken by E. C. Miller.
An announcement several months ago was made that the mill was to be removed entirely from this area and reestablished in California. Difficulties arising in the meantime in obtaining sufficient logs there led to the change in plans." (Vernonia Eagle)
August 18, 1949: "Oscar Vike, while helping out at the Cedarwood Timber company shingle mill Sunday, injured a hand and was taken to St. Vincent's hospital for treatment. Two fingers were cut off and the others badly mangled." (Vernonia Eagle)
January 5, 1950: :September 8---Ownership of another local business has changed hands as the result of a transaction which became effective September 1. At that time the Cedarwood Timber company shingle mill was sold by L. C. Cotner of Los Angeles to Eddie Miller who previously had been local manager of the plant." (Vernonia Eagle)
July 2, 1953: "Thieves made a haul of approximately $1000 last Friday night when they broke into the safe located in the office building of the Cedarwood Timber company. Entry to the safe was gained by cutting the safe door with an acetylene torch and judging by the extent and manner done, police believe the job was the work of amateurs.
The door was cut and portions removed in several places before entry to the safe was gained. Safe burglary insurance was not carried to cover the loss." (Vernonia Eagle)
The door was cut and portions removed in several places before entry to the safe was gained. Safe burglary insurance was not carried to cover the loss." (Vernonia Eagle)
July 24, 1958: "Operations at the Cedarwood Timber company mill were halted here Wednesday by the strike of the Shingle Weavers union which is in progress throughout Oregon, Washington, Idaho and California." (Vernonia Eagle)
March 23, 1972: "The recent go-around between the Cedarwood Timber Company and the Columbia Willamette Air Pollution Authority is not the first confrontation between the two. The Pollution Authority has been after owner Ed Miller to do away with the wigwam burner at the shingle mill for some time.
The latest round of talks took place Friday, March 17. In a board meeting of the air pollution authority group, several people came to the defense of Miller and the wigwam burner. The city council, through Mayor Fisher, stated that they did not feel the mill was a serious cause of pollution, that one of the citizens of the area had complained, that the mill provided employment, for several area people and that the size of the operation of the mill could not financially meet the requirements of the air pollution people.
The county board of commissioners also came to the defense of Miller and the burning system and told the Pollution Authority that they felt that the economic factors involved should be paramount in the consideration of the order for abatement of the use of the burner.
Records show that after a February 3 meeting with the Air Pollution authorities Miller signed an agreement that he would not use the burner after July of 1974. This was based on the fact that it would be financially impossible for Mr. Miller to install the required equipment to satisfy the pollution requirements.
Miller was again visited by the group and again they demanded proof that he was financially unable to buy the necessary equipment. After this meeting the Advisory Board stepped up the date that Miller was to quit using the burner to July of 1973.
At this time County Commissioner Jay Ahlborn came to the aid of Miller and went before the board of the employment facts and the economic status of the mill and employees. He implored the board to allow the operation of the mill without harassment from them. Ahlborn's statement were sufficient for the board as they tabled the matter indefinitely.
The air pollution authorities also agreed that any further hearings or meetings about the mill would be held in Vernonia." (Vernonia Eagle)
The latest round of talks took place Friday, March 17. In a board meeting of the air pollution authority group, several people came to the defense of Miller and the wigwam burner. The city council, through Mayor Fisher, stated that they did not feel the mill was a serious cause of pollution, that one of the citizens of the area had complained, that the mill provided employment, for several area people and that the size of the operation of the mill could not financially meet the requirements of the air pollution people.
The county board of commissioners also came to the defense of Miller and the burning system and told the Pollution Authority that they felt that the economic factors involved should be paramount in the consideration of the order for abatement of the use of the burner.
Records show that after a February 3 meeting with the Air Pollution authorities Miller signed an agreement that he would not use the burner after July of 1974. This was based on the fact that it would be financially impossible for Mr. Miller to install the required equipment to satisfy the pollution requirements.
Miller was again visited by the group and again they demanded proof that he was financially unable to buy the necessary equipment. After this meeting the Advisory Board stepped up the date that Miller was to quit using the burner to July of 1973.
At this time County Commissioner Jay Ahlborn came to the aid of Miller and went before the board of the employment facts and the economic status of the mill and employees. He implored the board to allow the operation of the mill without harassment from them. Ahlborn's statement were sufficient for the board as they tabled the matter indefinitely.
The air pollution authorities also agreed that any further hearings or meetings about the mill would be held in Vernonia." (Vernonia Eagle)