RENFRO SAWMILL
Josephine County - Cave Junction
February 23, 1939: "Bert Gates received a very severe cut to his first finger of the left hand at the Renfro sawmill. Dr. Collman treated the finger." (Illinois Valley News)
November 14, 1940: "Great interest seems to be developing in the lumber market. Mr. Claude Hacket of Portland, who recently leased the old Woodbury & Slack mill at O'Brien, has leased the Cave Junction Shingle and Lumber mill in Cave Junction, and is putting the mill in first class shape for a full winters run.
Men are now remodeling the sawdust conveyor and a new edger is on the way and will be installed as soon as it arrives. Other improvements to make the mill efficient will be made.
When the mill starts up, which is expected inn the next few days, they will give employment to about nine men and the prospects are good for a full winters run. The mill will specialize on 2 x 4 lumber and will cut nothing else this winter, so we are informed, and it is expected to cut about 15,000 feet a day.
The mill is owned by Mrs. Helen Renfro and has been operated by Dave Renfro, Bert Gates and Cleo Brush. Dave Renfro has been in a hospital for many months, but is recuperating fast and now weighs 145 pounds and is looking forward to coming home.
The shingle part of the mill is expected to be shut down for the present. The lumber will be shipped to Portland." (Illinois Valley News)
Men are now remodeling the sawdust conveyor and a new edger is on the way and will be installed as soon as it arrives. Other improvements to make the mill efficient will be made.
When the mill starts up, which is expected inn the next few days, they will give employment to about nine men and the prospects are good for a full winters run. The mill will specialize on 2 x 4 lumber and will cut nothing else this winter, so we are informed, and it is expected to cut about 15,000 feet a day.
The mill is owned by Mrs. Helen Renfro and has been operated by Dave Renfro, Bert Gates and Cleo Brush. Dave Renfro has been in a hospital for many months, but is recuperating fast and now weighs 145 pounds and is looking forward to coming home.
The shingle part of the mill is expected to be shut down for the present. The lumber will be shipped to Portland." (Illinois Valley News)
November 28, 1940: "The Cave Junction saw mill started operating in full swing Tuesday noon, and it was a welcome sound to hear the whistle blow again.
There will be a few minor changes to make as the work progresses, but in the main the mill is ready for the winters run and 10 men are now on the pay roll. This number will be added to as soon as the need requires, and it is expected that 15 men will find regular employment during the winter.
Harry Sowell is the manager of the mill and he is getting his supply of logs from the Elk creek country. The mill is cutting only 2 x 4's and all of the product will be shipped to Portland." (Illinois Valley News)
There will be a few minor changes to make as the work progresses, but in the main the mill is ready for the winters run and 10 men are now on the pay roll. This number will be added to as soon as the need requires, and it is expected that 15 men will find regular employment during the winter.
Harry Sowell is the manager of the mill and he is getting his supply of logs from the Elk creek country. The mill is cutting only 2 x 4's and all of the product will be shipped to Portland." (Illinois Valley News)
October 22, 1942: "The accustomed whistle of the Renfro saw mill won't be heard any longer. The mill was destroyed by fire Thursday morning at about 2:00 o'clock.
Several people passed on the Caves highway late Wednesday night and early Thursday morning and everything seemed to be all right, as the only fire was the saw dust burner. When Mrs. Cecil Owens, night operator at the Redwood Forest Service station went off shift at 2:15, she noticed an unusual light at the mill and went to call Mr. Bowerman, ranger. When she reentered the Redwood Ranger building, she immediately saw the mill was on fire and gave the alarm.
Dave Renfro and Mel Gates were the first ones on the scene, living close to the mill, and when they arrived it was impossible to get ro any of the hydrants and hose, the building seemed to leap into a mass of flames.
The Forest Service fire equipment was put into action and a hose run across the Redwood highway from the station to the mill; the state Forest truck, and the Cave Junction Volunteer Fire department's truck were quickly on the scene, but all that could be done was to save the lumber that had been sawed Wednesday, which was done, at least most of it.
The mill belonged to Helen Renfro, and was under contract with the Fleishman Lumber company of Portland. The mill had just been completely overhauled. A new sawdust conveyor engine was installed and the larger engine overhauled and the entire roof has been covered with sheet metal, the mill had just started up after the overhauling and was performing admirably, cutting more lumber than it had ever done before. It was estimated that the mill would be able to cut 25,000 feet a day and logs has been cut to insure the mill operations all winter. The new improvements and overhauling cost in the neighborhood of a thousand dollars. It was not insured.
The fire throws 16 men at the mill out of work and may effect some in the logging camps besides truck drivers hauling logs and cut lumber to Grants Pass.
As far as it was possible to determine, the fire started on the main floor, but seemed to spread like lightning all over the mill. It is a complete loss and is a calamity to the owners and the community.
Mr. Renfro today, did not know what would be done in regards to rebuilding the mill. He said Mr. Fleishman would be here in a few days and some definite action might be taken.
Dave wants to thank all the people who came to help, especially the national and state Forest service and the Cave Junction Volunteer Fire department, who sent their trucks and men to help." (Illinois Valley News)
Several people passed on the Caves highway late Wednesday night and early Thursday morning and everything seemed to be all right, as the only fire was the saw dust burner. When Mrs. Cecil Owens, night operator at the Redwood Forest Service station went off shift at 2:15, she noticed an unusual light at the mill and went to call Mr. Bowerman, ranger. When she reentered the Redwood Ranger building, she immediately saw the mill was on fire and gave the alarm.
Dave Renfro and Mel Gates were the first ones on the scene, living close to the mill, and when they arrived it was impossible to get ro any of the hydrants and hose, the building seemed to leap into a mass of flames.
The Forest Service fire equipment was put into action and a hose run across the Redwood highway from the station to the mill; the state Forest truck, and the Cave Junction Volunteer Fire department's truck were quickly on the scene, but all that could be done was to save the lumber that had been sawed Wednesday, which was done, at least most of it.
The mill belonged to Helen Renfro, and was under contract with the Fleishman Lumber company of Portland. The mill had just been completely overhauled. A new sawdust conveyor engine was installed and the larger engine overhauled and the entire roof has been covered with sheet metal, the mill had just started up after the overhauling and was performing admirably, cutting more lumber than it had ever done before. It was estimated that the mill would be able to cut 25,000 feet a day and logs has been cut to insure the mill operations all winter. The new improvements and overhauling cost in the neighborhood of a thousand dollars. It was not insured.
The fire throws 16 men at the mill out of work and may effect some in the logging camps besides truck drivers hauling logs and cut lumber to Grants Pass.
As far as it was possible to determine, the fire started on the main floor, but seemed to spread like lightning all over the mill. It is a complete loss and is a calamity to the owners and the community.
Mr. Renfro today, did not know what would be done in regards to rebuilding the mill. He said Mr. Fleishman would be here in a few days and some definite action might be taken.
Dave wants to thank all the people who came to help, especially the national and state Forest service and the Cave Junction Volunteer Fire department, who sent their trucks and men to help." (Illinois Valley News)
December 17, 1942: "Good news for the valley, the Cave Junction mill, which burned to the ground November 22nd, with a complete loss, will be rebuilt.
Helen Renfro with Dave Renfro, Cleo Brush and Bert Gates as working partners decided some time ago to rebuild the mill and began looking around for a used mill that would answer their purposes, for it was impossible to secure new equipment.
A mill was found and it was purchased, and now a crew is clearing the debris away from the old mill, and now concrete forms are being poured to put up the new machinery.
A considerable part of the old mill can be salvaged and put back to use. The boiler was not hurt in the fire and the small engine that had just been installed before the mill burned could be repaired and used again. All the sheeting can be utilized, and the job of revamping the ground for the new mill is now being rushed.
The new mill will be considerable larger than the old one, it will cut 35,000 feet a day and perhaps more when working to full capacity.
The owners hope to have the mill completed by the first of February. As soon as the ground work is done, the mill will be shipped here and work will start assembling it." (Illinois Valley News)
Helen Renfro with Dave Renfro, Cleo Brush and Bert Gates as working partners decided some time ago to rebuild the mill and began looking around for a used mill that would answer their purposes, for it was impossible to secure new equipment.
A mill was found and it was purchased, and now a crew is clearing the debris away from the old mill, and now concrete forms are being poured to put up the new machinery.
A considerable part of the old mill can be salvaged and put back to use. The boiler was not hurt in the fire and the small engine that had just been installed before the mill burned could be repaired and used again. All the sheeting can be utilized, and the job of revamping the ground for the new mill is now being rushed.
The new mill will be considerable larger than the old one, it will cut 35,000 feet a day and perhaps more when working to full capacity.
The owners hope to have the mill completed by the first of February. As soon as the ground work is done, the mill will be shipped here and work will start assembling it." (Illinois Valley News)
February 11, 1943: "Dave Renfro's new mill is coming along fine and with good luck the mill should be ready for operation about the first of March. This mill will be the only one in the valley that can cut long timbers for construction purposes. Large timber 32 feet long can be handled and with a number of orders for this kind of material coming in, it looks like the new mill will be busy all year with this kind of lumber.
Weather conditions have handicapped building the new mill, but with good weather in the offing, it looks like it will be finished in time to start March 1st.
The new mill will be considerably larger than the one which burned last fall, which will give more men employment and a much larger production of cut lumber." (Illinois Valley News)
Weather conditions have handicapped building the new mill, but with good weather in the offing, it looks like it will be finished in time to start March 1st.
The new mill will be considerably larger than the one which burned last fall, which will give more men employment and a much larger production of cut lumber." (Illinois Valley News)
March 18, 1943: "Dave Renfro and W. F. Darger went to Klamath Falls Wednesday. Dave went to look at a boiler, which he hopes to install in the new mill. The present boiler will suffice, but the boys are looking for another one to help produce more power." (Illinois Valley News)
April 22, 1943: "The new Renfro mill started operations this week, and it was certainly a mighty fine sound to hear that old familiar whistle blow, 'let's go.'
Monday the mill started, but for the first day, very little lumber was sawed, mostly getting the mill broken in and taking care of necessary changes that are always cropping up in a new mill. Tuesday better results were had and while some time was lost in repairs and changes, considerable lumber was cut, the first truck load of lumber leaving the mill Tuesday night.
Wednesday the boys were on their toes and the mill done as well as it was expected to and then some. Lumber began piling up and many loads left for Grants Pass.
The mill at present employs 12 men and is under lease to the Fleishman Lumber company, but is being run under the management of Dave Renfro, with Delbert Gates as his assistant.
The Fleishman Lumber company does the logging for the mill as well as several other mills in the valley. Logging operations are under the supervision of Jack Harris, and all the Fleishman mills in the valley are under the supervision of C. G. Hockett." (Illinois Valley News)
Monday the mill started, but for the first day, very little lumber was sawed, mostly getting the mill broken in and taking care of necessary changes that are always cropping up in a new mill. Tuesday better results were had and while some time was lost in repairs and changes, considerable lumber was cut, the first truck load of lumber leaving the mill Tuesday night.
Wednesday the boys were on their toes and the mill done as well as it was expected to and then some. Lumber began piling up and many loads left for Grants Pass.
The mill at present employs 12 men and is under lease to the Fleishman Lumber company, but is being run under the management of Dave Renfro, with Delbert Gates as his assistant.
The Fleishman Lumber company does the logging for the mill as well as several other mills in the valley. Logging operations are under the supervision of Jack Harris, and all the Fleishman mills in the valley are under the supervision of C. G. Hockett." (Illinois Valley News)
May 6, 1943: "The Renfro mill in Cave Junction started a second shift last week, and now have an additional 12 men on the pay roll. The first shift goes to work at 6 a.m. and the second shift starts at 3 p.m., getting through at 12 midnight.
The new mill is getting many of the 'kinks' ironed out, and every day sees an improvement in operation." (Illinois Valley News)
The new mill is getting many of the 'kinks' ironed out, and every day sees an improvement in operation." (Illinois Valley News)
July 22, 1943: "Starting this week, John F. Underwood and David Vanarsdall took over the management of the Renfro sawmill and are now operating it for the Fleishman Lumber company, leasees of the mill.
Mr. Underwood is operating the edger and Mr. Vanarsdall is head sawyer. After working for a few days, the motor running the edger and conveyors, broke down, and we are informed that the men are going to install a new boiler in addition to the one now in use, which will give the mill plenty of power for all purposes.
Hammer Brothers, former operators of the mill will remain in the valley and have other mill prospects which they hope will mature in the near future. The Hammers are excellent mill men and very reliable and it is hoped by the community they find satisfactory employment." (Illinois Valley News)
Mr. Underwood is operating the edger and Mr. Vanarsdall is head sawyer. After working for a few days, the motor running the edger and conveyors, broke down, and we are informed that the men are going to install a new boiler in addition to the one now in use, which will give the mill plenty of power for all purposes.
Hammer Brothers, former operators of the mill will remain in the valley and have other mill prospects which they hope will mature in the near future. The Hammers are excellent mill men and very reliable and it is hoped by the community they find satisfactory employment." (Illinois Valley News)
August 5, 1943: "This morning the Renfro sawmill started to work again after being laid up for the past two weeks for repairs and some new added improvements that will make the mill more efficient.
A new boiler has been constructed and a new engine installed to take the place of the old Holt 'cat' engine. A new addition was constructed on the green chain and all the rest of the plant given a good going over.
It is expected with the new improvements that the capacity of the mill will be raised several thousand feet per day." (Illinois Valley News)
A new boiler has been constructed and a new engine installed to take the place of the old Holt 'cat' engine. A new addition was constructed on the green chain and all the rest of the plant given a good going over.
It is expected with the new improvements that the capacity of the mill will be raised several thousand feet per day." (Illinois Valley News)
March 23, 1944: "David Varnarsdall, sawyer and operator for the Fleishman Lumber Co., at the Renfro mill on Caves highway, had a very painful accident Monday evening after the mill had shut down. He was alone at the time doing repair work and the conveyor belt was still running when he was caught in the belting and thrown against a pulley. He was rushed to Dr. Collman for medical attention." (Illinois Valley News)
August 17, 1944: "About 2 o'clock Saturday morning, the residents of Cave Junction were startled with the Redwood Ranger station siren giving two loud signals that something was wrong, and on looking at the sky the populace saw that the Renfro mill was a mass of flames. The mill was completely destroyed.
One of the first eyewitnesses was Howard Bearss, Standard Oil distributor for the valley, who lives across the street from the Standard Oil company's warehouse and in direct view of the mill. Howard's dog came to his bed and gave one of the most peculiar yelps, and Howard was awakened at once, and he saw a small flame coming from the mill near the boiler. He quickly dressed and as he crossed the road it seemed to him like an explosion occurred along the entire length of the green chain and the entire structure burst into flames and by that time the entire mill was ablaze.
About the same time Howard was awakened, Mr. and Mrs. Bowerman's daughter trudged up stairs to their bedroom and said she thought the mill was on fire. Mr. Bowerman gave one look and half dressed gave the siren signal above mentioned. He then ordered the entire personnel of the Redwood Ranger station and its equipment into action.
The smoke jumpers laid a hose from the station pump to the mill and had water on the flames in a short time, but it was a hopeless task to put the fire out as it was entirely in flames by the time water was turned on. When the alarm was sounded George Morey, Mr. Bowerman's assistant, started the pumps going, and by the time the hose was laid, he had water coming through. All of this was done in remarkably short time. But the only thing the boys could do was to save adjoining property, which was an easy job considering there was no wind. It was indeed fortunate that there was no wind for the fire could have gotten out of control with a strong breeze.
The city's fire truck was driven to the fire by W. F. Darger, but it was not used as there was nothing to do but watch. Dick Sowell and his crew from the State Forest service, brought the state fire truck to the scene, but likewise it was not needed.
The fire spread so quickly there was nothing that could have been done to extinguish the flames. It was all over in a short space of time. This is the second time this mill has burned and the entire community sympathize with Mr. and Mrs. Renfro in their loss.
This mill was put into operation in April last year and was leased to the Fleishman Lumber company who in turn leased the operation of the mill to William Parry. The plant was capable of cutting about 35,000 feet of lumber a day, and was the only mill in the valley that could cut long timber, it having a capacity of 32 foot logs, but most of the logs were from 16 to 20 feet long. C. G. Hockett was supervisor of all operations of the company in the Illinois Valley.
We understand that the Fleishman company will continue to operate their logging crew to furnish logs for other companies and to provide a stock pile for future operations. The company owns approximately 20,000,000 feet of timber in the valley.
The mill employed 17 men, most of whom will be absorbed by other mills in the valley.
Dave and Mrs. Renfro want to thank all the people for helping at the fire. Dave said it is surely great to know that your friends are so willing to help in cases of emergencies." (Illinois Valley News)
One of the first eyewitnesses was Howard Bearss, Standard Oil distributor for the valley, who lives across the street from the Standard Oil company's warehouse and in direct view of the mill. Howard's dog came to his bed and gave one of the most peculiar yelps, and Howard was awakened at once, and he saw a small flame coming from the mill near the boiler. He quickly dressed and as he crossed the road it seemed to him like an explosion occurred along the entire length of the green chain and the entire structure burst into flames and by that time the entire mill was ablaze.
About the same time Howard was awakened, Mr. and Mrs. Bowerman's daughter trudged up stairs to their bedroom and said she thought the mill was on fire. Mr. Bowerman gave one look and half dressed gave the siren signal above mentioned. He then ordered the entire personnel of the Redwood Ranger station and its equipment into action.
The smoke jumpers laid a hose from the station pump to the mill and had water on the flames in a short time, but it was a hopeless task to put the fire out as it was entirely in flames by the time water was turned on. When the alarm was sounded George Morey, Mr. Bowerman's assistant, started the pumps going, and by the time the hose was laid, he had water coming through. All of this was done in remarkably short time. But the only thing the boys could do was to save adjoining property, which was an easy job considering there was no wind. It was indeed fortunate that there was no wind for the fire could have gotten out of control with a strong breeze.
The city's fire truck was driven to the fire by W. F. Darger, but it was not used as there was nothing to do but watch. Dick Sowell and his crew from the State Forest service, brought the state fire truck to the scene, but likewise it was not needed.
The fire spread so quickly there was nothing that could have been done to extinguish the flames. It was all over in a short space of time. This is the second time this mill has burned and the entire community sympathize with Mr. and Mrs. Renfro in their loss.
This mill was put into operation in April last year and was leased to the Fleishman Lumber company who in turn leased the operation of the mill to William Parry. The plant was capable of cutting about 35,000 feet of lumber a day, and was the only mill in the valley that could cut long timber, it having a capacity of 32 foot logs, but most of the logs were from 16 to 20 feet long. C. G. Hockett was supervisor of all operations of the company in the Illinois Valley.
We understand that the Fleishman company will continue to operate their logging crew to furnish logs for other companies and to provide a stock pile for future operations. The company owns approximately 20,000,000 feet of timber in the valley.
The mill employed 17 men, most of whom will be absorbed by other mills in the valley.
Dave and Mrs. Renfro want to thank all the people for helping at the fire. Dave said it is surely great to know that your friends are so willing to help in cases of emergencies." (Illinois Valley News)