CRATER LAKE BOX & LUMBER CO.
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Klamath County - Sprague River
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This 60 ton saddle tank locomotive served as the sole source of power for hauling logs from the various timber sales, owned by the company, to the mill for 14 years (1928 thru 1942). photo: Ron Kemnow Collection
Continued from: Campbell - Towle Lumber Company
Lorenz Lumber Company
February 23, 1929: "The Campbell-Towle Lumber company is now being completely rebuilt and Mr. Lorenz will not take possession of the plant until this project is completed. A new eight-foot Prescott band mill is being installed; a 12 inch Prescott shot gun; a high pressure power plant; a hog; concrete foundations are being laid; the mill building is being enlarged; and a complete renovation is being undertaken.
When the various improvements, are made, the mill will be one of the best pine mills of a one-shift capacity under 100,000 feet in the Pacific northwest. The mill will turn out approximately 75,000 feet one shift daily capacity. Its payroll, on a one-shift basis, is approximately $40,000 a month. The mill yard has a capacity of ten million feet.
One of the new features to the mill is the fact that the slab burner will be installed on the opposite, the north side of Sprague River. Several hundred feet of water will separate the burner from the plant, ensuring additional fire protection.
In a statement this morning Mr. Lorenz said that only lumber products, not box factory production, would be shipped. The plant includes the sawmill and a planing mill, but not a box factory." (The Evening Herald)
March 15, 1929: "George Lorenz spent Tuesday inspecting the mill here which he has recently acquired." (The Klamath News)
March 18, 1929: "[Indian Office file No. 53778-28]
Klamath Indian Reservation, Whiskey Creek logging unit. Advertised November 14, 1928. Bids opened February 5, 1929. Bid accepted March 18, 1929. Contract signed March 27, 1929. Contract approved June 10, 1929. Name of purchaser, G. C. Lorenz. Contract expires March 31, 1932. Amount of bond, $30,000. Surety, Maryland Casualty Co., Baltimore, Md. Period of years, May 15, 1934. Approved June 10, 1929.
Yearly cut, 15,000,000 feet prior to March 31, 1931, 15,000,000 feet yearly thereafter. Initial deposit, $20,000. Advance deposits, $10,000. Estimated stand of timber, 150,000,000 feet. Estimated value of timber, $675,000." (Survey of Conditions of Indian in United States - Page 5212)
April 12, 1929: "Articles of incorporation for the Lorenz Lumber company, formerly the Campbell-Towle Lumber company of Sprague River, 40 miles east of Klamath Falls, are being completed and will be filed soon.
Mr. Lorenz recently bought the Campbell-Towle mill, and also all of that concern's timber.
The Lorenz Lumber company is a consolidation of the Campbell-Towle Lumber company acquired by G. C. Lorenz and C. P. Lorenz, and the Long Pine Lumber company (Bonanza), jointly operated by G. C. and C. P. Lorenz. The new concern owns, in addition to the mill at Sprague River, between 275,000,000 and 300,000,000 feet of timber, in one solid block. The mill is located on the O. C. & E. railroad on the fringe of this huge tract.
Incorporators of the Lorenz Lumber company were, G.C. Lorenz, C. P. Lorenz and R. H. Schmitt. Capital stock amounts to $250,000. The mill started up under new ownership last Monday. It had been completely renovated and many major improvements installed. The plant will operate on a one shift basis for the time being. Output is 75,000 feet daily.
Logging operations will get underway by the middle of May, Mr. Lorenz estimated." (The Klamath News)
April 14, 1929: "The repairs to the Long Pine mill have been completed and it has resumed operations. This mill was formerly the property of the Campbell-Towle Lumber company. The burner is now located across the river. New band mill and boilers have been installed and the machinery completely overhauled." (The Klamath News)
June 10, 1929: "Announcement has been made of the sale of the Boutin Lumber Company mill of Hildebrand and 12,000,000 feet of private timber of the concern to the G. C. Lorenz Lumber Company of Sprague River.
The mill, which has a one-shift capacity cut of 35,000 feet, has been dismantled, and the diesel engine which powered the plant, removed to the Lorenz plant where it will be used in the large operation.
The Lorenz Lumber Company has also contracted to buy the logs of the Rock Creek reservation unit which was recently bid in by Gilbert McLennan, local lumberman.
Construction is under way on a six mile logging railroad from the Sprague River plant to its private timber holdings and to the Whiskey Creek unit." (The Evening Herald)
June 18, 1929: "While shoving logs on a chute at the Lorenz mill, Jess Schonchin aged 37, member of a prominent Indian family on the reservation, was either accidentally killed from a blow on the head, drowned about 7 o'clock Sunday evening at Sprague River. His body was recovered about 12:30 Monday noon.
Schonchin, an experienced pondman, was seen to take his place on the raft in the pond at the beginning of the night shift at the mill about 7 p.m. Sunday. Shortly afterward, Jack O'Neil, employed at the mill as a dogger discovered that Schonchin was missing." (The Klamath News)
June 20, 1929: "A switch connecting the Lorenz Lumber company log line with the O. C. & E. at Sprague River was being installed today." (The Evening Herald)
July 31, 1929: "At Sprague River, the Lorenz Lumber company operates a sawmill, which is now running double shift. At the plant and in the logging camp, located five miles, about 155 men are employed." (The Klamath News)
August 1, 1929: "The Lorenz Lumber company recently completed a new section of road from a point on the O.C.E. near Sprague River, into the Whiskey Creek country where it has established a new logging camp and is operating some of the most modern equipment that can be used in moving timber." (The Klamath News)
November 2, 1929: "Operations of the Lorenz company mill at Sprague River will continue for only about another month, it is stated by G. C. Lorenz. The night shift at the mill has already been closed down. However, the company plans to continue its logging operations practically all winter.
By January 1, the mill will be furnished with electric power by the California Oregon Power company, which is now surveying for a line to extend into Sprague River. This will enable the mill to discontinue its use of the private power plant and will make operations much easier, according to Mr. Lorenz." (The Klamath News)
November 20, 1929: "KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, That Campbell-Towle Lumber Company, a corporation duly organized and incorporated under the laws of the State of Oregon, in consideration of Ten ($10.00) Dollars to it paid by Lorenz Lumber Company, an Oregon Corporation, does hereby grant, bargain, sell and convey to said Lorenz Lumber Company, its successors and assigns forever, the following described parcel of real estate, situate, lying and being in the County of Klamath and State of Oregon, to-wit:
The Southwest quarter of Section Eleven (11), Township thirty-six (36) South, Range Ten (10) East of Willamette Meridian, and the Southeast Quarter of Section Ten (10), Township thirty-six (36) South, Range Ten (10) East of the Willamette Meridian, Except the following described tract:
Commencing at a point where the west boundary line of the County road intersects the north boundary line of the Southeast of Section Ten (10) Township thirty-six (36) South, Range ten (10) East of Willamette Meridian, which point is approximately thirty (30) feet west of the northeast corner of the southeast quarter of said Section Ten (10); thence west Ten (10) rods, thence south thirty (30) rods, thence southeasterly a distance of 10.82 rods to the western boundary line of said county road, thence north along the west boundary line of said county road a distance of thirty-four (34) rods to the place of beginning, all in Klamath County, Ore.
Subject to existing roads, railroad rights of way and other or any easements in evidence on the ground, and of record; and any liens on said premises that may have been created by G. C. Lorenz and/or Lorenz Lumber Company subsequent to February 15th 1929, the date of the contract pursuant to which this deed is given.
LORENZ LUMBER COMPANY is to pay taxes on said premises beginning with the assessment of 1929.
Together with the tenements, hereditaments and appurtenances thereunto belonging, or in anywise appertaining; and also all its estate, right; title and interest, at law and equity, therein and thereto.
TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the same to the said LORENZ LUMBER COMPANY, its successors and assigns forever. And the said Campbell-Towle Lumber Company does covenant with the said Lorenz Lumber Company and its legal representatives forever, that said corporation is lawfully seized in fee simple of the above granted premises, that the above granted premises are free from all encumbrances, and that it will, and its successors shall,
WARRANT AND DEFEND the same to the said Lorenz Lumber Company, its successors and assigns forever, against the lawful claims and demands of all persons whomsoever except as above set forth.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Campbell-Towle Lumber Company pursuant to a resolution of its Board of Directors, duly and legally adopted, has caused these presents to be signed by its President and Secretary, and its corporate seal to be hereunto affixed this 20th day of November A.D. 1929. Signed." (Klamath County Clerk's Office Records)
April 5, 1930: "The G. C. Lorenz mill, located at Sprague River has been remodeled and electrified, and electric air dogs are now being installed. Six new sets of logging trucks for the Lorenz railroad have been purchased. The improvements total in the neighborhood of $30,000.
Since February 24 the mill, under Superintendent R. H. Schmidt, has been in operation on a one-shift basis. The camp under the direction of Fred Madigan, is located about six miles from the mill cuts about 30,000 feet a shift, and about 150 are employed in the mill and camp." (The Klamath News)
May 17, 1930: "A new transmission line approximately 23 miles in length has recently been constructed from Bonanza north to the town of Sprague River, Ore. This line, a three gauge circuit, and operated for the time being at 34,000 volts, will serve the new electrically equipped mills of the Lorenz Lumber company, as well as many new residential and business customers in and about the community of Sprague River." (The Klamath News)
Crater Lake Lumber Company
July 6, 1930: "Another large lumber, saw mill and timber deal was announced when the Crater Lake Lumber company purchased and took over all holdings of the Lorenz Lumber company which operates at Sprague River, Oregon.
Huntington Taylor, formerly vice-president and manager of the Edward Rutledge Timber company of northern Idaho, is the head of the new Crater Lake Lumber company and comes to Klamath Basin to locate permanently and personally manage and direct the Sprague River operation.
'There will be no change in the personnel of the staff of employes at present,' Mr. Taylor stated. 'We will follow the Lorenz Lumber company policies, for that concern has proven itself sound and worthy. I am pleased to be in Klamath Basin, for I know what the future of this section is bound to be. The excellent grade of pine, the virgin forests, the exceptional transportation facilities and the markets to the south of us---makes me realize fully that Klamath basin is to be rightfully called the greatest pine manufacturing center in the entire world.
Glen C. Lorenz, who for the past eight years has been operating lumber plants in this zone, said, after turning his concern to the purchasers,
'It is gratifying to me to sell the Lorenz company to such substantial people and such successful operators as Mr. Taylor and his associates. This county has acquired another very strong concern in them. We are selling everything, including mill, planer, railroad, lumber on yard, timber and all logging and yard equipment of the Lorenz Lumber company, and also all of the property of the Lone Pine Lumber company.'
Mr. Taylor announced the arrival of C. A. Fuller, formerly of Rose Lake, Idaho, where with the Winton Lumber company he spent some time as head of the offices and business headquarters will be located at Sprague River. Mrs. Taylor has recently arrived from a visit to friends in Minneapolis and joined her husband here, where they will establish a permanent home." (The Klamath News)
June 6, 1930: "Articles of incorporation for the Crater Lake Lumber company of Klamath Falls, was on file here today with the state corporation department.
According to the articles, the company is capitalized at $500,000. Incorporators were: D. V. Kuykendall, M. S. Wherland and H. C. Blackmer. The articles were filed by D. Y. Kuykendall, attorney, Loomis Building, Klamath Falls." (The Klamath News)
July 7, 1930: "The Crater Lake Lumber company has purchased the Lorenz Lumber company of Sprague River, about 60 miles from here. The consideration was not announced. Huntington Taylor, formerly vice president of the Edward Rutledge Timber company, Idaho, will be manager of the company." (The Bend Bulletin)
1931: "Crater Lake Lumber Co., expects to build 10 miles of logging railroad next year." (The Lumberman)
August 14, 1931: "The Crater Lake Lumber company was today granted permission by the public utilities commissioner to cross the Klamath Falls-Lakeview highway at grade with the rails of its logging road. The location of the crossing was given as four-tenths of a mile west of Mile Post No. 28 on the highway." (The Klamath News)
February 11, 1931: "The Crater Lake Lumber company opened Monday morning with one shift, employing about 50 men in the yards. Logging operations have not been started yet, but probably will within two or three weeks, according to Huntington Taylor, manager." (The Klamath News)
June 19, 1931: "It is rumored that the Crater Lake sawmill at Sprague River, which has been closed for some time, will resume production some time next week." (The Bly Bulletin)
September 19, 1932: "Mrs. Rae McCracken of Grants Pass is spending the summer here with her husband who is filer for the Crater Lake Lumber company." + "Dr. Paul Sharp of Klamath Falls was in town Thursday on professional business with the Crater Lake Lumber company." (The Evening Herald)
July 15, 1933: "W.L. Stringer, employe of the Crater lake Lumber company, was injured Sunday night when a hammer-dog struck him on the side of the head. He was taken to Klamath Falls for treatment." & "The Crater Lake Lumber company is now operating two 8-hour shifts." (The Klamath News)
September 21, 1933: "The Crater Lake Lumber company is moving its logging camp to a site near Bly. The company purchased the Weyerhaeuser timber which was recently burned." (The Klamath News)
April 26, 1934: “Two loggers, both well known in this city, Art Hagerty and Gus Carlson, were drowned in the waters of Sprague River Monday morning when they slipped from a log boom into the cold waters. A third companion managed to clutch onto some loose weeds and escaped.
The two loggers are reported to have gone to the rescue of the man who escaped and themselves drowned.
The men were working on a log drive for the Crater Lake Lumber company when the fatal accident happened. Other men who were working with them started immediate grappling for the bodies and soon recovered them.” (The Chiloquin Review)
May 27, 1935: "The Crater Lake sawmill started operations Monday. The night shift is due to start soon. The river is full of logs and more coming in every day." & "Jerry Lambert, formerly Crater Lake sawmill foreman, has resigned. He left for New Mexico some time ago. Mrs. Lambert is to follow at the close of school." & "Johnny Goddard, rachet setter for the sawmill, will move his family to Sprague River soon." (The Evening Herald)
August 6, 1935: "Two forest fires broke out early Saturday afternoon on the west end of Cherry Creek near Sprague River. Fighters were rushed to the fires from the Crater Lake Lumber company mill and from Sprague River.
The two fires, about a mile apart, were supposedly caused by sparks from a locomotive on the O.C. & E. railway. They broke out about 2 o'clock Saturday afternoon in a cut-over area on the west end of Cherry Creek a few miles southwest of here, on the Klamath Indian reservation. Sylvan Crume and Clayton Kirk, smoke chasers in the employ of the Klamath Agency, assembled fire fighters in Sprague River and hurried them to the scene of the conflagration, and fighters were also supplied by the Crater Lake Lumber company.
While the flames were confined to an area that had been cut and burnt over in years past, surrounding territory containing valuable timber was threatened, the hazard being increased by a brisk wind." (The Klamath News)
August 30, 1935: "Huntington Taylor returned Friday from a trip to San Francisco and Los Angeles, where he conducted business for the Crater Lake Lumber company." (The Klamath News)
October 31, 1935: "J.F. Ethridge has taken over the position of planing mill foreman for the Crater Lake Lumber company. Ethridge was formerly employed as night foreman at the Ewauna Box company until the night crew was laid off." (The Evening Herald)
June 20, 1938: "Flames which destroyed the planing mill, box factory and warehouse of the Crater Lake Box and Lumber company at Sprague River Saturday afternoon were stopped short of lumber in the yard, and the mill proper was saved.
The damage was estimated by G.C. Lorenz, owner, at around $100,000 which was partially covered by insurance.
The sawmill of the company, which is located about a quarter of a mile up the river from the scene of the fire, was not endangered and firefighters were able to save the large quantity of lumber stored in the yards.
Destruction of the planing mill and box factory will put about 75 men out of work immediately and threatens to cause a complete shutdown of the company for the season. Lorenz said Saturday night. He said he was uncertain whether the sawmill and logging crews could continue to work in view of the fact that the fire had destroyed all means of manufacturing the mill output for shipment and that the yards are already well stocked. Huntington Taylor, operator of the company, could not be reached.
On the question of rebuilding also the company has as yet made no plans, Lorenz said. When the company's box factory burned last fall in a similar fire a better and more fully equipped factory was built in its place, and it had been operating only about three months when it went up in smoke Saturday.
The fire broke out at about 2:30 in a raging windstorm and observers believed a spark from the burner had probably started the blaze. The flames quickly spread from the planing mill to the box factory and warehouse and for a time threatened the lumber piles in the yards.
However, later in the afternoon the wind abated and the fire was controlled, but only after the buildings had been burned to the ground. Nothing in either of the plants could be salvaged." (The Evening Herald)
July 6, 1930: "Another large lumber, saw mill and timber deal was announced yesterday when the Crater Lake Lumber company purchased and took over all holdings of the Lorenz Lumber company which operates at Sprague River, Oregon.
Huntington Taylor, formerly vice-president and manager of the Edward Rutledge Timber company of northern Idaho, is the head of the new Crater Lake Lumber company and comes to Klamath Basin to locate permanently and personally manage and direct the Sprague River operation." (The Klamath News)
April 13, 1939: “Fred Anderson is going to cut and log timber on Yainax Butte for the Crater Lake Logging Co. They will haul them to the Sprague River where they will be floated to the Sprague River Mill.” (The Chiloquin Review) [Beatty]
June 2, 1942: "Ed Pierson, yard and mill foreman of the Crater Lake Box and Lumber company is back in Sprague River after a siege of pneumonia which kept him confined in the Klamath Valley hospital." (Herald and News)
June 3, 1942: "One of the worst springs in recent years has caused a halt to logging operations in this area due to impassable roads. The situation has become so acute that the sawmill at Sprague River has suspended sawing until the trucks can haul more logs to the mill pond. Several days of good weather will enable the trucks to get to the woods and logging operations will be resumed.
Mountain roads, usually knee deep in dust, this time of year, are so muddy that even caterpillar tractors are having a time getting through." (Herald and News)
June 16, 1942: "Lawrence Rhea, well known grader at the Crater Lake Box and Lumber company, said goodbye to friends here this week to enter army life."
"Mr. Wiley, grader at the planing mill is back on the job after a month's layoff due to a severe case of pneumonia."
"Bill Pool has been selected as millwright in the box factory to replace Steve Crough, who recently resigned." (Herald and News)
June 16, 1942: "What happens when a logging trailer decides to take off in a different direction from the ruck was graphically illustrated last Friday, when a logging truck driven by Alvin Decker came apart on the main street of Sprague River.
Motorists who were driving by observed the load of logs almost directly across the street. The truck was going at a slow speed and Decker was able to stop as soon as he suspected trouble. Had the truck been going at a high speed, it is possible that considerable damage would have been done, bystanders said.
Ed Mays, blacksmith at the mill, was summoned and brought a Hyster, a vehicle that lifts large loads of lumber, to the scene. With the aid of various helpers, the two disagreeing parts were chained together and the load was slowly brought to the mill pond less than one half mile away." (Herald and News)
June 16, 1942: "The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world' goes an old saying, which may be altered to read, 'is the hand that helps defeat the Axis' as far as Sprague River women are concerned. Many are going into employment in the local mill to help solve the labor shortage.
The mill, with some of the largest orders in history, was faced with the same problem of workers as many mills. There had been no women workers in the local plant, but the necessity of finding help has prompted mill authorities to sign the women up to help out till the boys come marching home.
The women have plugged up these shortages in help and today may be seem feeding small saws, tailing off cut-off saws, tallying lumber and numerous other jobs formerly done by men." (Herald and News)
July 4, 1942: "With the Crater Lake Box and Lumber company working on the government grain bin contract. Sprague River is fast becoming a boom town. Every day new families are moving in and vacant houses are now at a premium. Large numbers of cars with out-of-state licenses are appearing on Main street.
The mill is undergoing many changes and crews are working day and night to get things in line for the large output that is in the offing. The grain bins are constructed in 'log cabin' style, and are built up of notched boards and studding. In order to do the unusual notching work, new saws are being installed and an assembly line is being worked out. Each car loaded contains the material for a number of grain bins, even including the nails and shingles.
The influx of workers and the large crews are giving Sprague River the boom town look. Railroad cars in unprecedented numbers are being switched about. Parking spot on Main street are rare during business hours, and on Saturday nights. Business houses are doing a 'land office business,' it is reported.
It is probable that the largest enrollment in the history of the local school will occur this September, according to Principal Roland Parks. Dozens of families who moved away to the defense centers during the Medford and Tulelake rushes, are back in town.
The Sprague River road is the scene of a constant flow of logging trucks bringing the logs in from camp." (Herald and News)
July 17, 1942: "The much anticipated new machinery for notching the millions of board feet of lumber on the government grain bin order has started to arrive at the Crater Lake Box and Lumber company and is expected to be put in operation at once.
During the past few weeks a large tract of land back of the present mill has been cleared and leveled by a bulldozer. A new railroad spur has been built, power poles erected and various lumber racks constructed. Lumber from other mills has been coming in by railroad and much new equipment has been installed.
When the notching machinery is installed it is expected that the output will be such, that day and night crews working overtime will be needed to load cars, operate the machinery and do many new duties.
The grain bins are so constructed that practically every board must be notched to fit over another. The side boards are also tongue and grooved, making them fit close together. Unusual about their construction is the fact that a few handfuls of nails for the floor and roof is all the metal used. The notching of boards in this manner presented a problem that comes once in a lifetime to a planing mill. Many experiments were tried and saw arrangements made. Speed was an all important factor and the assembly line idea was worked out. Each man at a notching machine set-up does one thing and the boards move rapidly along to receive treatment." (Herald and News)
August 13, 1942: "Joe Pearson, who has been unable to work for six months, is again employed at the Crater lake Box and Lumber company."
"Mrs. Dorothy Merritt of Klamath Falls is employed in the office of the Crater Lake Box and Lumber company." (Herald and News)
August 27, 1942: "A load of logs jumped the Crater Lake Lumber and Box company's tracks Wednesday night, crushing to death Robert Joe Siska, 32, log train brakeman.
The accident occurred on the company's line about five miles from Whiskey creek camp, 35 miles east of Klamath Falls.
Sheriff Lloyd Low, who investigated, said Siska was operating the brake on one of the cars of the trainload of logs moving slowly in the direction of Sprague River. The car, which is formed of two bunks or trucks with the logs slung behind them, jumped the track. Siska was thrown to the ties, and ground under the journal box on the bunk.." (Herald and News)
September 1, 1942: "A broken ankle and chest injuries were sustained by Jim Huffman when a lumber carrier turned over with him at the Crater Lake Lumber and Box company at Sprague River this morning, it was learned from hospital attendants.
Huffman was brought by ambulance to the hospital at 10:15 a. m., but the time and further details of the accident were not available. The full extent of his injuries has not been determined and he is not permitted visitors at the present time." (Herald and News)
September 9, 1942: "Mrs. Mary Short, who was injured in an industrial accident two weeks ago, was able to return to work at the Crater Lake Box and Lumber company planing mill on Tuesday." (Herald and News)
October 7, 1942: "Claude Brandenburg fell from a stack of lumber in the warehouse at the factory last week and fractured a bone in his wrist." (Herald and News)
March 2, 1943: "Earl Green, 56, employed by Crater Lake Lumber and Box company at Sprague River, was brought to Klamath Valley hospital early Monday afternoon suffering from injuries received when he fell 20 feet from the top of the box factory.
Green was cleaning out a drain pipe at the time of the accident. He suffered a broken left hip and arm, broken right wrist and bruises. His condition is thought serious." (Herald and News)
April 3, 1943: "Sprague river is over its banks. Consequently the mill had to shut down. Part of the mill buildings are under water. The highway on both sides of the bridge is under water." (Herald and News)
May 11, 1943: "Murtle Edmenson, about 45, logger for Crater Lake Box and Lumber company, was killed instantly at noon today at the company's Hildebrand camp 25 miles east of Klamath Falls near Dairy.
Edmenson was standing on a flat logging car when a steel cable, used in pulling the cars, tightened and threw him 10 feet. The man struck on his back. Edmenson's brother, Baxter, also working on the car, was injured and rushed to Klamath Valley hospital. His condition was thought to be serious.
Ward's ambulance was called to Hildebrand but Edmenson was pronounced dead on arrival. Edmenson had been employed at the camp since Monday morning.
He is thought to have a wife and three children living in Klamath Falls." (Herald and News)
May 14, 1943: "The Crater Lake camp at Hildebrand started hauling logs on Monday to the landing at Hildebrand." (Herald and News)
June 4, 1943: "A fire which originated in the boiler room of the mill was quickly put under control by the men working. It started shortly before one o'clock Friday morning." (Herald and News)
August 4, 1943: "Crater Lake Lumber company's box factory at Sprague River has been purchased by the American Box corporation of San Francisco, which will conduct box shook manufacturing operation at the east Klamath plant, it was announced Tuesday.
P.M. Cowbrough, former sales manager for the Crater Lake Lumber company, is resident manager of the new operation, and announced the transaction. G.C. Lorenz, head of the Crater Lake Lumber company, confirmed the sale.
Cowbrough said the plant is already employing from 50 to 60 men. An active manufacturing program is planned, using first several million feet of lumber purchased from the Crater Lake Lumber company at Sprague River. The new owners will buy other lumber in the open market for the factory operations later on, and may install more machinery and extend the plant.
The deal included warehouses and planing mill facilities at Sprague River formerly owned by the Crater Lake Lumber company.
Lorenz stated that the Crater Lake mill at Sprague River is being dismantled and the machinery sold. The new program of the American Box corporation, however, will keep Sprague River in the picture as an active industrial community.
O.W. Ludwig, former box factory foreman for Crater Lake, is the new superintendent for American Box." (Herald and News)
Continued to: American Box Corporation
Lorenz Lumber Company
February 23, 1929: "The Campbell-Towle Lumber company is now being completely rebuilt and Mr. Lorenz will not take possession of the plant until this project is completed. A new eight-foot Prescott band mill is being installed; a 12 inch Prescott shot gun; a high pressure power plant; a hog; concrete foundations are being laid; the mill building is being enlarged; and a complete renovation is being undertaken.
When the various improvements, are made, the mill will be one of the best pine mills of a one-shift capacity under 100,000 feet in the Pacific northwest. The mill will turn out approximately 75,000 feet one shift daily capacity. Its payroll, on a one-shift basis, is approximately $40,000 a month. The mill yard has a capacity of ten million feet.
One of the new features to the mill is the fact that the slab burner will be installed on the opposite, the north side of Sprague River. Several hundred feet of water will separate the burner from the plant, ensuring additional fire protection.
In a statement this morning Mr. Lorenz said that only lumber products, not box factory production, would be shipped. The plant includes the sawmill and a planing mill, but not a box factory." (The Evening Herald)
March 15, 1929: "George Lorenz spent Tuesday inspecting the mill here which he has recently acquired." (The Klamath News)
March 18, 1929: "[Indian Office file No. 53778-28]
Klamath Indian Reservation, Whiskey Creek logging unit. Advertised November 14, 1928. Bids opened February 5, 1929. Bid accepted March 18, 1929. Contract signed March 27, 1929. Contract approved June 10, 1929. Name of purchaser, G. C. Lorenz. Contract expires March 31, 1932. Amount of bond, $30,000. Surety, Maryland Casualty Co., Baltimore, Md. Period of years, May 15, 1934. Approved June 10, 1929.
Yearly cut, 15,000,000 feet prior to March 31, 1931, 15,000,000 feet yearly thereafter. Initial deposit, $20,000. Advance deposits, $10,000. Estimated stand of timber, 150,000,000 feet. Estimated value of timber, $675,000." (Survey of Conditions of Indian in United States - Page 5212)
April 12, 1929: "Articles of incorporation for the Lorenz Lumber company, formerly the Campbell-Towle Lumber company of Sprague River, 40 miles east of Klamath Falls, are being completed and will be filed soon.
Mr. Lorenz recently bought the Campbell-Towle mill, and also all of that concern's timber.
The Lorenz Lumber company is a consolidation of the Campbell-Towle Lumber company acquired by G. C. Lorenz and C. P. Lorenz, and the Long Pine Lumber company (Bonanza), jointly operated by G. C. and C. P. Lorenz. The new concern owns, in addition to the mill at Sprague River, between 275,000,000 and 300,000,000 feet of timber, in one solid block. The mill is located on the O. C. & E. railroad on the fringe of this huge tract.
Incorporators of the Lorenz Lumber company were, G.C. Lorenz, C. P. Lorenz and R. H. Schmitt. Capital stock amounts to $250,000. The mill started up under new ownership last Monday. It had been completely renovated and many major improvements installed. The plant will operate on a one shift basis for the time being. Output is 75,000 feet daily.
Logging operations will get underway by the middle of May, Mr. Lorenz estimated." (The Klamath News)
April 14, 1929: "The repairs to the Long Pine mill have been completed and it has resumed operations. This mill was formerly the property of the Campbell-Towle Lumber company. The burner is now located across the river. New band mill and boilers have been installed and the machinery completely overhauled." (The Klamath News)
June 10, 1929: "Announcement has been made of the sale of the Boutin Lumber Company mill of Hildebrand and 12,000,000 feet of private timber of the concern to the G. C. Lorenz Lumber Company of Sprague River.
The mill, which has a one-shift capacity cut of 35,000 feet, has been dismantled, and the diesel engine which powered the plant, removed to the Lorenz plant where it will be used in the large operation.
The Lorenz Lumber Company has also contracted to buy the logs of the Rock Creek reservation unit which was recently bid in by Gilbert McLennan, local lumberman.
Construction is under way on a six mile logging railroad from the Sprague River plant to its private timber holdings and to the Whiskey Creek unit." (The Evening Herald)
June 18, 1929: "While shoving logs on a chute at the Lorenz mill, Jess Schonchin aged 37, member of a prominent Indian family on the reservation, was either accidentally killed from a blow on the head, drowned about 7 o'clock Sunday evening at Sprague River. His body was recovered about 12:30 Monday noon.
Schonchin, an experienced pondman, was seen to take his place on the raft in the pond at the beginning of the night shift at the mill about 7 p.m. Sunday. Shortly afterward, Jack O'Neil, employed at the mill as a dogger discovered that Schonchin was missing." (The Klamath News)
June 20, 1929: "A switch connecting the Lorenz Lumber company log line with the O. C. & E. at Sprague River was being installed today." (The Evening Herald)
July 31, 1929: "At Sprague River, the Lorenz Lumber company operates a sawmill, which is now running double shift. At the plant and in the logging camp, located five miles, about 155 men are employed." (The Klamath News)
August 1, 1929: "The Lorenz Lumber company recently completed a new section of road from a point on the O.C.E. near Sprague River, into the Whiskey Creek country where it has established a new logging camp and is operating some of the most modern equipment that can be used in moving timber." (The Klamath News)
November 2, 1929: "Operations of the Lorenz company mill at Sprague River will continue for only about another month, it is stated by G. C. Lorenz. The night shift at the mill has already been closed down. However, the company plans to continue its logging operations practically all winter.
By January 1, the mill will be furnished with electric power by the California Oregon Power company, which is now surveying for a line to extend into Sprague River. This will enable the mill to discontinue its use of the private power plant and will make operations much easier, according to Mr. Lorenz." (The Klamath News)
November 20, 1929: "KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, That Campbell-Towle Lumber Company, a corporation duly organized and incorporated under the laws of the State of Oregon, in consideration of Ten ($10.00) Dollars to it paid by Lorenz Lumber Company, an Oregon Corporation, does hereby grant, bargain, sell and convey to said Lorenz Lumber Company, its successors and assigns forever, the following described parcel of real estate, situate, lying and being in the County of Klamath and State of Oregon, to-wit:
The Southwest quarter of Section Eleven (11), Township thirty-six (36) South, Range Ten (10) East of Willamette Meridian, and the Southeast Quarter of Section Ten (10), Township thirty-six (36) South, Range Ten (10) East of the Willamette Meridian, Except the following described tract:
Commencing at a point where the west boundary line of the County road intersects the north boundary line of the Southeast of Section Ten (10) Township thirty-six (36) South, Range ten (10) East of Willamette Meridian, which point is approximately thirty (30) feet west of the northeast corner of the southeast quarter of said Section Ten (10); thence west Ten (10) rods, thence south thirty (30) rods, thence southeasterly a distance of 10.82 rods to the western boundary line of said county road, thence north along the west boundary line of said county road a distance of thirty-four (34) rods to the place of beginning, all in Klamath County, Ore.
Subject to existing roads, railroad rights of way and other or any easements in evidence on the ground, and of record; and any liens on said premises that may have been created by G. C. Lorenz and/or Lorenz Lumber Company subsequent to February 15th 1929, the date of the contract pursuant to which this deed is given.
LORENZ LUMBER COMPANY is to pay taxes on said premises beginning with the assessment of 1929.
Together with the tenements, hereditaments and appurtenances thereunto belonging, or in anywise appertaining; and also all its estate, right; title and interest, at law and equity, therein and thereto.
TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the same to the said LORENZ LUMBER COMPANY, its successors and assigns forever. And the said Campbell-Towle Lumber Company does covenant with the said Lorenz Lumber Company and its legal representatives forever, that said corporation is lawfully seized in fee simple of the above granted premises, that the above granted premises are free from all encumbrances, and that it will, and its successors shall,
WARRANT AND DEFEND the same to the said Lorenz Lumber Company, its successors and assigns forever, against the lawful claims and demands of all persons whomsoever except as above set forth.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Campbell-Towle Lumber Company pursuant to a resolution of its Board of Directors, duly and legally adopted, has caused these presents to be signed by its President and Secretary, and its corporate seal to be hereunto affixed this 20th day of November A.D. 1929. Signed." (Klamath County Clerk's Office Records)
April 5, 1930: "The G. C. Lorenz mill, located at Sprague River has been remodeled and electrified, and electric air dogs are now being installed. Six new sets of logging trucks for the Lorenz railroad have been purchased. The improvements total in the neighborhood of $30,000.
Since February 24 the mill, under Superintendent R. H. Schmidt, has been in operation on a one-shift basis. The camp under the direction of Fred Madigan, is located about six miles from the mill cuts about 30,000 feet a shift, and about 150 are employed in the mill and camp." (The Klamath News)
May 17, 1930: "A new transmission line approximately 23 miles in length has recently been constructed from Bonanza north to the town of Sprague River, Ore. This line, a three gauge circuit, and operated for the time being at 34,000 volts, will serve the new electrically equipped mills of the Lorenz Lumber company, as well as many new residential and business customers in and about the community of Sprague River." (The Klamath News)
Crater Lake Lumber Company
July 6, 1930: "Another large lumber, saw mill and timber deal was announced when the Crater Lake Lumber company purchased and took over all holdings of the Lorenz Lumber company which operates at Sprague River, Oregon.
Huntington Taylor, formerly vice-president and manager of the Edward Rutledge Timber company of northern Idaho, is the head of the new Crater Lake Lumber company and comes to Klamath Basin to locate permanently and personally manage and direct the Sprague River operation.
'There will be no change in the personnel of the staff of employes at present,' Mr. Taylor stated. 'We will follow the Lorenz Lumber company policies, for that concern has proven itself sound and worthy. I am pleased to be in Klamath Basin, for I know what the future of this section is bound to be. The excellent grade of pine, the virgin forests, the exceptional transportation facilities and the markets to the south of us---makes me realize fully that Klamath basin is to be rightfully called the greatest pine manufacturing center in the entire world.
Glen C. Lorenz, who for the past eight years has been operating lumber plants in this zone, said, after turning his concern to the purchasers,
'It is gratifying to me to sell the Lorenz company to such substantial people and such successful operators as Mr. Taylor and his associates. This county has acquired another very strong concern in them. We are selling everything, including mill, planer, railroad, lumber on yard, timber and all logging and yard equipment of the Lorenz Lumber company, and also all of the property of the Lone Pine Lumber company.'
Mr. Taylor announced the arrival of C. A. Fuller, formerly of Rose Lake, Idaho, where with the Winton Lumber company he spent some time as head of the offices and business headquarters will be located at Sprague River. Mrs. Taylor has recently arrived from a visit to friends in Minneapolis and joined her husband here, where they will establish a permanent home." (The Klamath News)
June 6, 1930: "Articles of incorporation for the Crater Lake Lumber company of Klamath Falls, was on file here today with the state corporation department.
According to the articles, the company is capitalized at $500,000. Incorporators were: D. V. Kuykendall, M. S. Wherland and H. C. Blackmer. The articles were filed by D. Y. Kuykendall, attorney, Loomis Building, Klamath Falls." (The Klamath News)
July 7, 1930: "The Crater Lake Lumber company has purchased the Lorenz Lumber company of Sprague River, about 60 miles from here. The consideration was not announced. Huntington Taylor, formerly vice president of the Edward Rutledge Timber company, Idaho, will be manager of the company." (The Bend Bulletin)
1931: "Crater Lake Lumber Co., expects to build 10 miles of logging railroad next year." (The Lumberman)
August 14, 1931: "The Crater Lake Lumber company was today granted permission by the public utilities commissioner to cross the Klamath Falls-Lakeview highway at grade with the rails of its logging road. The location of the crossing was given as four-tenths of a mile west of Mile Post No. 28 on the highway." (The Klamath News)
February 11, 1931: "The Crater Lake Lumber company opened Monday morning with one shift, employing about 50 men in the yards. Logging operations have not been started yet, but probably will within two or three weeks, according to Huntington Taylor, manager." (The Klamath News)
June 19, 1931: "It is rumored that the Crater Lake sawmill at Sprague River, which has been closed for some time, will resume production some time next week." (The Bly Bulletin)
September 19, 1932: "Mrs. Rae McCracken of Grants Pass is spending the summer here with her husband who is filer for the Crater Lake Lumber company." + "Dr. Paul Sharp of Klamath Falls was in town Thursday on professional business with the Crater Lake Lumber company." (The Evening Herald)
July 15, 1933: "W.L. Stringer, employe of the Crater lake Lumber company, was injured Sunday night when a hammer-dog struck him on the side of the head. He was taken to Klamath Falls for treatment." & "The Crater Lake Lumber company is now operating two 8-hour shifts." (The Klamath News)
September 21, 1933: "The Crater Lake Lumber company is moving its logging camp to a site near Bly. The company purchased the Weyerhaeuser timber which was recently burned." (The Klamath News)
April 26, 1934: “Two loggers, both well known in this city, Art Hagerty and Gus Carlson, were drowned in the waters of Sprague River Monday morning when they slipped from a log boom into the cold waters. A third companion managed to clutch onto some loose weeds and escaped.
The two loggers are reported to have gone to the rescue of the man who escaped and themselves drowned.
The men were working on a log drive for the Crater Lake Lumber company when the fatal accident happened. Other men who were working with them started immediate grappling for the bodies and soon recovered them.” (The Chiloquin Review)
May 27, 1935: "The Crater Lake sawmill started operations Monday. The night shift is due to start soon. The river is full of logs and more coming in every day." & "Jerry Lambert, formerly Crater Lake sawmill foreman, has resigned. He left for New Mexico some time ago. Mrs. Lambert is to follow at the close of school." & "Johnny Goddard, rachet setter for the sawmill, will move his family to Sprague River soon." (The Evening Herald)
August 6, 1935: "Two forest fires broke out early Saturday afternoon on the west end of Cherry Creek near Sprague River. Fighters were rushed to the fires from the Crater Lake Lumber company mill and from Sprague River.
The two fires, about a mile apart, were supposedly caused by sparks from a locomotive on the O.C. & E. railway. They broke out about 2 o'clock Saturday afternoon in a cut-over area on the west end of Cherry Creek a few miles southwest of here, on the Klamath Indian reservation. Sylvan Crume and Clayton Kirk, smoke chasers in the employ of the Klamath Agency, assembled fire fighters in Sprague River and hurried them to the scene of the conflagration, and fighters were also supplied by the Crater Lake Lumber company.
While the flames were confined to an area that had been cut and burnt over in years past, surrounding territory containing valuable timber was threatened, the hazard being increased by a brisk wind." (The Klamath News)
August 30, 1935: "Huntington Taylor returned Friday from a trip to San Francisco and Los Angeles, where he conducted business for the Crater Lake Lumber company." (The Klamath News)
October 31, 1935: "J.F. Ethridge has taken over the position of planing mill foreman for the Crater Lake Lumber company. Ethridge was formerly employed as night foreman at the Ewauna Box company until the night crew was laid off." (The Evening Herald)
June 20, 1938: "Flames which destroyed the planing mill, box factory and warehouse of the Crater Lake Box and Lumber company at Sprague River Saturday afternoon were stopped short of lumber in the yard, and the mill proper was saved.
The damage was estimated by G.C. Lorenz, owner, at around $100,000 which was partially covered by insurance.
The sawmill of the company, which is located about a quarter of a mile up the river from the scene of the fire, was not endangered and firefighters were able to save the large quantity of lumber stored in the yards.
Destruction of the planing mill and box factory will put about 75 men out of work immediately and threatens to cause a complete shutdown of the company for the season. Lorenz said Saturday night. He said he was uncertain whether the sawmill and logging crews could continue to work in view of the fact that the fire had destroyed all means of manufacturing the mill output for shipment and that the yards are already well stocked. Huntington Taylor, operator of the company, could not be reached.
On the question of rebuilding also the company has as yet made no plans, Lorenz said. When the company's box factory burned last fall in a similar fire a better and more fully equipped factory was built in its place, and it had been operating only about three months when it went up in smoke Saturday.
The fire broke out at about 2:30 in a raging windstorm and observers believed a spark from the burner had probably started the blaze. The flames quickly spread from the planing mill to the box factory and warehouse and for a time threatened the lumber piles in the yards.
However, later in the afternoon the wind abated and the fire was controlled, but only after the buildings had been burned to the ground. Nothing in either of the plants could be salvaged." (The Evening Herald)
July 6, 1930: "Another large lumber, saw mill and timber deal was announced yesterday when the Crater Lake Lumber company purchased and took over all holdings of the Lorenz Lumber company which operates at Sprague River, Oregon.
Huntington Taylor, formerly vice-president and manager of the Edward Rutledge Timber company of northern Idaho, is the head of the new Crater Lake Lumber company and comes to Klamath Basin to locate permanently and personally manage and direct the Sprague River operation." (The Klamath News)
April 13, 1939: “Fred Anderson is going to cut and log timber on Yainax Butte for the Crater Lake Logging Co. They will haul them to the Sprague River where they will be floated to the Sprague River Mill.” (The Chiloquin Review) [Beatty]
June 2, 1942: "Ed Pierson, yard and mill foreman of the Crater Lake Box and Lumber company is back in Sprague River after a siege of pneumonia which kept him confined in the Klamath Valley hospital." (Herald and News)
June 3, 1942: "One of the worst springs in recent years has caused a halt to logging operations in this area due to impassable roads. The situation has become so acute that the sawmill at Sprague River has suspended sawing until the trucks can haul more logs to the mill pond. Several days of good weather will enable the trucks to get to the woods and logging operations will be resumed.
Mountain roads, usually knee deep in dust, this time of year, are so muddy that even caterpillar tractors are having a time getting through." (Herald and News)
June 16, 1942: "Lawrence Rhea, well known grader at the Crater Lake Box and Lumber company, said goodbye to friends here this week to enter army life."
"Mr. Wiley, grader at the planing mill is back on the job after a month's layoff due to a severe case of pneumonia."
"Bill Pool has been selected as millwright in the box factory to replace Steve Crough, who recently resigned." (Herald and News)
June 16, 1942: "What happens when a logging trailer decides to take off in a different direction from the ruck was graphically illustrated last Friday, when a logging truck driven by Alvin Decker came apart on the main street of Sprague River.
Motorists who were driving by observed the load of logs almost directly across the street. The truck was going at a slow speed and Decker was able to stop as soon as he suspected trouble. Had the truck been going at a high speed, it is possible that considerable damage would have been done, bystanders said.
Ed Mays, blacksmith at the mill, was summoned and brought a Hyster, a vehicle that lifts large loads of lumber, to the scene. With the aid of various helpers, the two disagreeing parts were chained together and the load was slowly brought to the mill pond less than one half mile away." (Herald and News)
June 16, 1942: "The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world' goes an old saying, which may be altered to read, 'is the hand that helps defeat the Axis' as far as Sprague River women are concerned. Many are going into employment in the local mill to help solve the labor shortage.
The mill, with some of the largest orders in history, was faced with the same problem of workers as many mills. There had been no women workers in the local plant, but the necessity of finding help has prompted mill authorities to sign the women up to help out till the boys come marching home.
The women have plugged up these shortages in help and today may be seem feeding small saws, tailing off cut-off saws, tallying lumber and numerous other jobs formerly done by men." (Herald and News)
July 4, 1942: "With the Crater Lake Box and Lumber company working on the government grain bin contract. Sprague River is fast becoming a boom town. Every day new families are moving in and vacant houses are now at a premium. Large numbers of cars with out-of-state licenses are appearing on Main street.
The mill is undergoing many changes and crews are working day and night to get things in line for the large output that is in the offing. The grain bins are constructed in 'log cabin' style, and are built up of notched boards and studding. In order to do the unusual notching work, new saws are being installed and an assembly line is being worked out. Each car loaded contains the material for a number of grain bins, even including the nails and shingles.
The influx of workers and the large crews are giving Sprague River the boom town look. Railroad cars in unprecedented numbers are being switched about. Parking spot on Main street are rare during business hours, and on Saturday nights. Business houses are doing a 'land office business,' it is reported.
It is probable that the largest enrollment in the history of the local school will occur this September, according to Principal Roland Parks. Dozens of families who moved away to the defense centers during the Medford and Tulelake rushes, are back in town.
The Sprague River road is the scene of a constant flow of logging trucks bringing the logs in from camp." (Herald and News)
July 17, 1942: "The much anticipated new machinery for notching the millions of board feet of lumber on the government grain bin order has started to arrive at the Crater Lake Box and Lumber company and is expected to be put in operation at once.
During the past few weeks a large tract of land back of the present mill has been cleared and leveled by a bulldozer. A new railroad spur has been built, power poles erected and various lumber racks constructed. Lumber from other mills has been coming in by railroad and much new equipment has been installed.
When the notching machinery is installed it is expected that the output will be such, that day and night crews working overtime will be needed to load cars, operate the machinery and do many new duties.
The grain bins are so constructed that practically every board must be notched to fit over another. The side boards are also tongue and grooved, making them fit close together. Unusual about their construction is the fact that a few handfuls of nails for the floor and roof is all the metal used. The notching of boards in this manner presented a problem that comes once in a lifetime to a planing mill. Many experiments were tried and saw arrangements made. Speed was an all important factor and the assembly line idea was worked out. Each man at a notching machine set-up does one thing and the boards move rapidly along to receive treatment." (Herald and News)
August 13, 1942: "Joe Pearson, who has been unable to work for six months, is again employed at the Crater lake Box and Lumber company."
"Mrs. Dorothy Merritt of Klamath Falls is employed in the office of the Crater Lake Box and Lumber company." (Herald and News)
August 27, 1942: "A load of logs jumped the Crater Lake Lumber and Box company's tracks Wednesday night, crushing to death Robert Joe Siska, 32, log train brakeman.
The accident occurred on the company's line about five miles from Whiskey creek camp, 35 miles east of Klamath Falls.
Sheriff Lloyd Low, who investigated, said Siska was operating the brake on one of the cars of the trainload of logs moving slowly in the direction of Sprague River. The car, which is formed of two bunks or trucks with the logs slung behind them, jumped the track. Siska was thrown to the ties, and ground under the journal box on the bunk.." (Herald and News)
September 1, 1942: "A broken ankle and chest injuries were sustained by Jim Huffman when a lumber carrier turned over with him at the Crater Lake Lumber and Box company at Sprague River this morning, it was learned from hospital attendants.
Huffman was brought by ambulance to the hospital at 10:15 a. m., but the time and further details of the accident were not available. The full extent of his injuries has not been determined and he is not permitted visitors at the present time." (Herald and News)
September 9, 1942: "Mrs. Mary Short, who was injured in an industrial accident two weeks ago, was able to return to work at the Crater Lake Box and Lumber company planing mill on Tuesday." (Herald and News)
October 7, 1942: "Claude Brandenburg fell from a stack of lumber in the warehouse at the factory last week and fractured a bone in his wrist." (Herald and News)
March 2, 1943: "Earl Green, 56, employed by Crater Lake Lumber and Box company at Sprague River, was brought to Klamath Valley hospital early Monday afternoon suffering from injuries received when he fell 20 feet from the top of the box factory.
Green was cleaning out a drain pipe at the time of the accident. He suffered a broken left hip and arm, broken right wrist and bruises. His condition is thought serious." (Herald and News)
April 3, 1943: "Sprague river is over its banks. Consequently the mill had to shut down. Part of the mill buildings are under water. The highway on both sides of the bridge is under water." (Herald and News)
May 11, 1943: "Murtle Edmenson, about 45, logger for Crater Lake Box and Lumber company, was killed instantly at noon today at the company's Hildebrand camp 25 miles east of Klamath Falls near Dairy.
Edmenson was standing on a flat logging car when a steel cable, used in pulling the cars, tightened and threw him 10 feet. The man struck on his back. Edmenson's brother, Baxter, also working on the car, was injured and rushed to Klamath Valley hospital. His condition was thought to be serious.
Ward's ambulance was called to Hildebrand but Edmenson was pronounced dead on arrival. Edmenson had been employed at the camp since Monday morning.
He is thought to have a wife and three children living in Klamath Falls." (Herald and News)
May 14, 1943: "The Crater Lake camp at Hildebrand started hauling logs on Monday to the landing at Hildebrand." (Herald and News)
June 4, 1943: "A fire which originated in the boiler room of the mill was quickly put under control by the men working. It started shortly before one o'clock Friday morning." (Herald and News)
August 4, 1943: "Crater Lake Lumber company's box factory at Sprague River has been purchased by the American Box corporation of San Francisco, which will conduct box shook manufacturing operation at the east Klamath plant, it was announced Tuesday.
P.M. Cowbrough, former sales manager for the Crater Lake Lumber company, is resident manager of the new operation, and announced the transaction. G.C. Lorenz, head of the Crater Lake Lumber company, confirmed the sale.
Cowbrough said the plant is already employing from 50 to 60 men. An active manufacturing program is planned, using first several million feet of lumber purchased from the Crater Lake Lumber company at Sprague River. The new owners will buy other lumber in the open market for the factory operations later on, and may install more machinery and extend the plant.
The deal included warehouses and planing mill facilities at Sprague River formerly owned by the Crater Lake Lumber company.
Lorenz stated that the Crater Lake mill at Sprague River is being dismantled and the machinery sold. The new program of the American Box corporation, however, will keep Sprague River in the picture as an active industrial community.
O.W. Ludwig, former box factory foreman for Crater Lake, is the new superintendent for American Box." (Herald and News)
Continued to: American Box Corporation