SOUTHERN OREGON SUGAR PINE COMPANY
Jackson County - Central Point
March 18, 1937: "It is reported that negotiations have been completed for the building of a saw mill on the southern boundary of Central Point this spring. The mill is to be located just outside the city limits on the site of the old cannery and fruit dryer and it is expected that construction will start at once.
Owners of the new mill are Chauncey Florey of Medford and a Mr. Davis of Klamath Falls. Those men have been quietly looking over several possible sites in and about the city for the past several days and finally decided that the old cannery site was the best offered. Seven acres have been leased just south of the Archie Parker home along the west side of the Southern Pacific tracks. A new spur will be built to the mill to facilitate loading of lumber and unloading of logs.
A contract was made this week with the California Oregon Power Co. for power for the mill. Work was expected to start at once on the excavating of the mill pond and leveling the ground for the foundation.
The coming of this new industry to this city will be welcomed by everyone. Just how large a mill will be constructed could not be learned today, but our citizens are pleased to have this new enterprise in our community and wish them abundant success." (The Central Point American)
Owners of the new mill are Chauncey Florey of Medford and a Mr. Davis of Klamath Falls. Those men have been quietly looking over several possible sites in and about the city for the past several days and finally decided that the old cannery site was the best offered. Seven acres have been leased just south of the Archie Parker home along the west side of the Southern Pacific tracks. A new spur will be built to the mill to facilitate loading of lumber and unloading of logs.
A contract was made this week with the California Oregon Power Co. for power for the mill. Work was expected to start at once on the excavating of the mill pond and leveling the ground for the foundation.
The coming of this new industry to this city will be welcomed by everyone. Just how large a mill will be constructed could not be learned today, but our citizens are pleased to have this new enterprise in our community and wish them abundant success." (The Central Point American)
April 15, 1937: "Well Folksies, as Tizzie Lish would say, I just observed, with much enthusiasm and delight, the first load of logs go by for our NEW SAWMILL. Whether they were for the construction of the mill or for saw-logs I cannot say. It looked good to me just the same. This first load of logs went by at 2:15 p.m. April 8th 1937 A.D." (The Central Point American)
May 6, 1937: "Work is progressing rapidly on the new sawmill on the south edge of town. The main framework for the mill proper is up and part of the machinery set. The log carriage and track is complete and the whole begins to have the appearance of a real mill.
Workmen are now engaged in building a sawdust house just west of the main mill. Others are completing the logway on the mill platform. The big pond will be completed as soon as possible and the log shute built.
Mr. Florey, owner of the new mill, states that although it had been hoped to have the mill in operation by the 15th of this month, unavoidable delays in getting timbers would make this impossible. However, the work will be rushed now and he hopes to be running before the end of the month." (The Central Point American)
Workmen are now engaged in building a sawdust house just west of the main mill. Others are completing the logway on the mill platform. The big pond will be completed as soon as possible and the log shute built.
Mr. Florey, owner of the new mill, states that although it had been hoped to have the mill in operation by the 15th of this month, unavoidable delays in getting timbers would make this impossible. However, the work will be rushed now and he hopes to be running before the end of the month." (The Central Point American)
July 1, 1937: "Thieves entered the property of the new saw mill south of town and made way with a large quantity of copper parts from the new switch board equipment which was just delivered at the mill yesterday.
The thieves seemed familiar with the mill and its equipment and to be looking for copper only. Nothing else was taken or disturbed with the exception of a radiator from a large truck.
The starter switch for the main 120 horsepower motor was ruined and also several smaller articles. The main lead wires from the transformers to the mill were cut and about 50 feet cut from each. These are heavy copper wires and very expensive.
Altogether about $350 worth of equipment was ruined, according to a statement today by Chauncey Florey, one of the owners of the mill. 'We are going right ahead and will replace the ruined equipment at once. We expect to be running shortly after the Fourth,' said Mr. Florey.
The robbery was discovered when the men went to work at the mill this morning and was reported at once to the sheriff's office and state police. So far no clues have been found to show which way the thieves went. It is thought they had been watching the mill for some time and knew just when the heavy copper equipment arrived." (The Central Point American)
The thieves seemed familiar with the mill and its equipment and to be looking for copper only. Nothing else was taken or disturbed with the exception of a radiator from a large truck.
The starter switch for the main 120 horsepower motor was ruined and also several smaller articles. The main lead wires from the transformers to the mill were cut and about 50 feet cut from each. These are heavy copper wires and very expensive.
Altogether about $350 worth of equipment was ruined, according to a statement today by Chauncey Florey, one of the owners of the mill. 'We are going right ahead and will replace the ruined equipment at once. We expect to be running shortly after the Fourth,' said Mr. Florey.
The robbery was discovered when the men went to work at the mill this morning and was reported at once to the sheriff's office and state police. So far no clues have been found to show which way the thieves went. It is thought they had been watching the mill for some time and knew just when the heavy copper equipment arrived." (The Central Point American)
July 10, 1937: "It is thought before another week our sawmill south of town, which has been so long in the building, will begin operations. In spite of all sorts of ill luck, they are going doggedly ahead and soon the dust will be flying. That sounds good, eh?" (The Central Point American)
July 15, 1937: "Work is progressing rapidly on the new sawmill south of town. Installation of the motors and electrical equipment is nearing completion and the juice will be turned on soon. Logs are already arriving and being dumped into the pond." (The Central Point American)
July 15, 1937: "The first log hit the water at the new mill pond Tuesday evening at 8:30 o'clock." (The Central Point American)
July 15, 1937: "The new mill is making their test run this afternoon and if everything is OK they will be running full blast soon." (The Central Point American)
July 22, 1937: "Cutting of logs started this morning at the new sawmill south of town. While the mill is not entirely finished, enough has been done to enable the crew to begin actual sawing. Today fir was being cut to provide lumber to complete the mill structure, but it is hoped to start on sugar pine soon, as this will be the main cut at the mill.
About ten men are employed at the present time, but it is expected a number more will be used soon. As is usually the case the mill will have nto be closed down from time to time in order to get the machinery running smoothly, but in a very short time it is thought the whole thing will be running steadily.
The mill is entirely operated by electricity. The main saw is driven by an individual 150-H.P. motor. The edger, cut-off saw and green chain and trimmer saws are all driven by individual motors.
The mill is owned by Messrs. Florey and Davis, who are in active charge. Timber is coming from the Prospect district and some from the upper Applegate." (The Central Point American)
About ten men are employed at the present time, but it is expected a number more will be used soon. As is usually the case the mill will have nto be closed down from time to time in order to get the machinery running smoothly, but in a very short time it is thought the whole thing will be running steadily.
The mill is entirely operated by electricity. The main saw is driven by an individual 150-H.P. motor. The edger, cut-off saw and green chain and trimmer saws are all driven by individual motors.
The mill is owned by Messrs. Florey and Davis, who are in active charge. Timber is coming from the Prospect district and some from the upper Applegate." (The Central Point American)
July 22, 1937: "The first log has gone the way of all logs up at the new mill. Soon we shall see and hear the steady hum of industry up there. But were we not told the log trucks were to be diverted away from our main drag? Didn't some one say they were to go around by way of Oak street and stay off that pavement? Such, at least, was out understanding." (The Central Point American)
July 22, 1937: "There is another logging outfit in the Woodruff Meadows country. We hear they are logging for the new mill at Central Point. In this part of the country one of the few great belts of sugar pine timber lie, to _ure the saw mills and loggers, thus, the monarchs of the forest are turned into expensive piece of cabinet work." (The Central Point American)
August 5, 1937: "We hear the new mill is going to start a double shift as soon as certain necessary improvements can be completed. Already the lumber piles are beginning to loom up against the skyline out west of the mill. The mill has been shut down this week while some new improvements are being made." (The Central Point American)
August 12, 1937: "Have you laid in your stock of wood for next winter? Why not get a few loads of those green slabs from the new mill? We admit pine slabs do not last as long as oak or laurel, but neither are they anywhere near as expensive. And it is our experience that one can keep mighty comfortable for a very small outlay by using them and at the same time help out a new local concern." (The Central Point American)
August 26, 1937: "Mr. Albert Milton is handling the slabs from the new mill. The green slabs will make very good and cheap fuel this winter." (The Central Point American)
January 6, 1938: "The Sugar Pine Co. are building a drying kiln at the mill for drying lumber. It is rumored that a party at Klamath Falls is planning to build a box factory here to run in connection with the mill." (The Central Point American)
January 20, 1938: "The Rogue River Sugar Pine Co., is installing a new Moore Dry Kiln of one hundred thousand feet capacity. This is the latest in dry kiln equipment and will enable them to handle large orders rapidly. A new steam boiler is being installed to operate the kiln which will burn sawdust and scraps from the mill.
The company is buying its timber from the government, above Union Creek. Idaho white pine will be cut mostly and, according to Mr. Chauncey Florey, contracts have been made with Chicago firms for the entire output of the mill.
A contract for logs has just been let to a large logging company, who will cut and haul the logs. A right of way across the tracks from the Southern Pacific Co., has been obtained and work is now being done on the grade crossing. This will be a shorter and faster way to get the logs to the pond.
This year they expect to keep the pond full of logs and the mill running to capacity. Last year there was some trouble in keeping the mill supplied with timber.
If weather conditions permit the mill expects to start operations in the next few weeks." (The Central Point American)
The company is buying its timber from the government, above Union Creek. Idaho white pine will be cut mostly and, according to Mr. Chauncey Florey, contracts have been made with Chicago firms for the entire output of the mill.
A contract for logs has just been let to a large logging company, who will cut and haul the logs. A right of way across the tracks from the Southern Pacific Co., has been obtained and work is now being done on the grade crossing. This will be a shorter and faster way to get the logs to the pond.
This year they expect to keep the pond full of logs and the mill running to capacity. Last year there was some trouble in keeping the mill supplied with timber.
If weather conditions permit the mill expects to start operations in the next few weeks." (The Central Point American)
July 21, 1938: "The saw mill of the Rogue Valley Sugar Pine Co. south of town has been closed down temporarily on account of the stopping of logging operations in the timber near Union Creek where the white pine logs being cut by the company are being taken out.
This week Governor Martin issued a proclamation stopping all logging, wood cutting and sash burning in all forests of the state west of the Cascade mountains on account of the fire situation, which has become more serious daily during the present hot weather. No one knows whether the work will be resumed before the fall rains start.
The stopping of their logging operations is a serious blow to this mill, as they only have a short season at best to get out their logs on account of the high altitude at which they are being cut. The company has been confining their operations to the cutting of Idaho white pine, which grows only in a very few places in Southern Oregon." (The Central Point American)
This week Governor Martin issued a proclamation stopping all logging, wood cutting and sash burning in all forests of the state west of the Cascade mountains on account of the fire situation, which has become more serious daily during the present hot weather. No one knows whether the work will be resumed before the fall rains start.
The stopping of their logging operations is a serious blow to this mill, as they only have a short season at best to get out their logs on account of the high altitude at which they are being cut. The company has been confining their operations to the cutting of Idaho white pine, which grows only in a very few places in Southern Oregon." (The Central Point American)
July 21, 1938: "The closing of all logging operations in the forests of Oregon on account of the forest fire situation is a serious blow to the local saw mill, which was getting logs from the Union Creek district, It seems a pity that such a situation had to arise just at this time when the mill was just getting started and into the best of the timber they were cutting. But of course no one has any control of the weather conditions." (The Central Point American)
September 1, 1938: "Miss Maryan Tucker is bookkeeper for the Florey and Davis mill." (The Central Point American)
September 1, 1938: "What might have been a disastrous fire at the Sugar Pine Mill occurred Saturday night when a electric light bulb got covered with saw dust and started the saw dust pile afire only for the quick action of Waldo Brittson, it would have been a serious one. Mr. Brittson is one of three engineers, who work on the night shift in the dry kiln work." (The Central Point American)
January 26, 1939: "The Southern Oregon Pine Company are closing the mill for a short time while they are installing a new band saw. They figure that this new saw will double the capacity of the mill." (The Central Point American)
February 2, 1939: "Roger Lawrence will have his hand operated on today. He went to San Francisco Sunday to be under the care of a specialist, who decided it necessary to operate. Roger hurt his hand several months ago in the Sugar Pine Company mill." (The central Point American)
February 2, 1939: "The changing from the circular to the band saw at the mill is progressing quite satisfactory. It won't be long until the song of the band saw will be heard as it slips thru the many beautiful logs that are stacked about the mill grounds." (The Central Point American)
September 28, 1939: "Mr. William Stewart has bought out the interest of Mr. Davis and Harry VanDyke in the Southern Oregon Sugar Pine Co. Mr. Stewart was formerly with the Medford Corporation and is now yard master at the local plant. Mr. Davis, who has made many friends while here, will be with the plant until the first of the year. Mr. Chauncey Florey is salesman for the company. The following are the owners of the mill: Porter Neff, Chauncey Florey and Mr. Stewart.
The mill has made a big increase in its equipment since it started, now employing 50 men, a number of whom live in Central Point. During the peak of the season the cash output, including wages, was $1000.00 a day. About $700.00 is the average for a day.
An amusing sidelight is the fact that Mr. Elmer Wilson, who recently purchased the Central Point Hardware and Mr. William Stewart were traveling together over considerable territory looking for what looked like a good opening, returning without any success to their homes in Medford, and shortly both went into business in Central Point, proving without a doubt that Central Point is the home of opportunity." (The Central Point American)
The mill has made a big increase in its equipment since it started, now employing 50 men, a number of whom live in Central Point. During the peak of the season the cash output, including wages, was $1000.00 a day. About $700.00 is the average for a day.
An amusing sidelight is the fact that Mr. Elmer Wilson, who recently purchased the Central Point Hardware and Mr. William Stewart were traveling together over considerable territory looking for what looked like a good opening, returning without any success to their homes in Medford, and shortly both went into business in Central Point, proving without a doubt that Central Point is the home of opportunity." (The Central Point American)
November 9, 1939: "The Sugar Pine mill expects to run until Christmas anyway. While it is not running a full crew now, about 20 men are employed." (The Central Point American)
January 11, 1940: "The Southern Oregon Sugar Pine company have closed down for the winter, after enjoying a long run. The plant will still be shipping and selling lumber. They cannot tell just how long they will be closed." (The Central Point American)
May 2, 1940: "The Southern Oregon Sugar Pine company's mill south of town is now running full time, with an average cut of 50,000 feet per day. 65 men are employed in the woods and mill together. Mr. Everett Skeeter is handling the logging for the company with fine equipment." (The Central Point American)
May 2, 1940: "On account of the weakened condition of the paving on East Pine street the trucks bringing logs to the sawmill south of town have temporarily been routed onto Manzanita street. Steps are now being taken for the repaving of East Pine street." (The Central Point American)
May 23, 1940: "Southern Oregon Sugar Pine company, whose mill is located just south of the city limits, was high bidder on 25,000,000 board feet of timber on the Rogue River National forest, it was announced by forest headquarters recently.
The bids were opened in the U. S. regional forester's office in Portland Friday. There were four bids and competition for the choice timber was said to be particularly keen. The successful bidding was considered a feather in the hat of the local concern, which had taken the lead in opening up quality timber areas in Southern Oregon, especially in western white pine.
The local company bid $7.10 per thousand board feet for the entire amount of timber offered for sale. The 25,000,000 board feet of sugar pine and 4,000,000 feet of western white pine. The minimum advertised price acceptable price was $6.25 for the sugar pine and $7.00 for the western white pine. The sale yields a total of $177,500 to the forest service and assures a continuous run of at least five years for the mill." (The Central Point American)
The bids were opened in the U. S. regional forester's office in Portland Friday. There were four bids and competition for the choice timber was said to be particularly keen. The successful bidding was considered a feather in the hat of the local concern, which had taken the lead in opening up quality timber areas in Southern Oregon, especially in western white pine.
The local company bid $7.10 per thousand board feet for the entire amount of timber offered for sale. The 25,000,000 board feet of sugar pine and 4,000,000 feet of western white pine. The minimum advertised price acceptable price was $6.25 for the sugar pine and $7.00 for the western white pine. The sale yields a total of $177,500 to the forest service and assures a continuous run of at least five years for the mill." (The Central Point American)
October 3, 1940: "Ted Troutman, who was injured at the mill last week, is recovering nicely. Both of his legs were hurt, one leg being broken and the bone on the other leg injured. Mr. Troutman is at the Community hospital." (The Central Point American)
December 12, 1940: "Mr. Hollingworth reports that the Southern Oregon Sugar Pine mill has 400,000 feet of sugar pine yet to be hauled in and about 1,000,000 feet of white pine. The crew is working 48 hours and receiving time and a half for overtime. A raise of 5 cents an hour has been given the boys.
The mill is a busy place and most of the workers are local men. Mr. Hollingworth is the foreman." (The Central Point American)
The mill is a busy place and most of the workers are local men. Mr. Hollingworth is the foreman." (The Central Point American)
March 13, 1941: "Mr. and Mrs. Jackson and son have rented the Floyd Hilton house and moved in. Mr. Jackson works in the Southern Oregon Sugar Pine Mill. The Jacksons were former residents of Eagle Point." (The Central Point American)
May 8, 1941: "The Southern Oregon Sugar Pine Co. have just landed another big contract with the Navy. A contract for $32,000 order of select pine lumber was signed Wednesday. This is a rush order. The Sugar Pine mill has made big progress since they first built their plant, many new buildings and new equipment has been added until Central Point feels proud of having such a business concern in our city. Tuesday night the mill sounded an alert whistle and as no one was prepared for it, cars gathered from far and near thinking there was a fire. The whistle blew for fifteen minutes. Next time they plan to put a notice in the paper before hand." (The Central Point American)
January 15, 1942: "The Southern Oregon Sugar Pine company has received an order for the furnishing of one million feet of common lumber to be used in the construction of the Rogue River Valley Cantonment and Mr. Florey reports they will be ready to furnish another two million feet if it is found necessary.
The Southern Oregon Sugar Pine company is now running one shift and have enough logs in the deck for three month run. They will run two shifts later. This company has recently built additional cross circulating dry kilns, that allow them to furnish a million feet of kiln dry lumber per month. In addition to the above contract this company is supplying the U. S. Navy with some 100 cars of select sugar pine lumber." (The Central Point American)
The Southern Oregon Sugar Pine company is now running one shift and have enough logs in the deck for three month run. They will run two shifts later. This company has recently built additional cross circulating dry kilns, that allow them to furnish a million feet of kiln dry lumber per month. In addition to the above contract this company is supplying the U. S. Navy with some 100 cars of select sugar pine lumber." (The Central Point American)
June 11, 1942: "Fire, supposedly starting from a spark from the boiler, destroyed the boiler house at the Southern Oregon Sugar Pine mill just south of the city limits and badly damaged the sawdust bin in the rear of the main mill at an early hour Wednesday morning.
At the time the fire started, several company men were at work in the boiler room repairing the pump which was supposed to be used in case of fire in the mill. This pump had gotten out of order during the night and the foreman had been called early to repair it. No one noticed the fire until it had got well started. The alarm was turned in by a neighbor lady and the fire department responded at once.
As the mill is outside the city limits there was no fire hydrant in the immediate vicinity. However, the boys started their pumper going and, using water from the booster tank and a small hose, managed to check the fire and hold it until the arrival of the state crew with another pumper truck. The state men sent a hurried call for another pump which was set up on the bank of the mill pond and assisted materially in holding the fire in check.
The Central Point firemen then returned to the fire hall for more large hose, which they attached to a hydrant near the Archie Parker home and laid it over through the mill yard to the vicinity of the burning buildings, a distance of 1400 feet. The hose enabled the men to use a larger hose from the pump and the fire was soon put out.
Damage to the mill amounted to about $2000, with no insurance, according to a statement by Manager Chauncey Florey. Mr. Florey today expressed his sincere appreciation of the work of the local department and said but for their prompt arrival and skillful work for the entire mill would have been destroyed." (The Central Point American)
At the time the fire started, several company men were at work in the boiler room repairing the pump which was supposed to be used in case of fire in the mill. This pump had gotten out of order during the night and the foreman had been called early to repair it. No one noticed the fire until it had got well started. The alarm was turned in by a neighbor lady and the fire department responded at once.
As the mill is outside the city limits there was no fire hydrant in the immediate vicinity. However, the boys started their pumper going and, using water from the booster tank and a small hose, managed to check the fire and hold it until the arrival of the state crew with another pumper truck. The state men sent a hurried call for another pump which was set up on the bank of the mill pond and assisted materially in holding the fire in check.
The Central Point firemen then returned to the fire hall for more large hose, which they attached to a hydrant near the Archie Parker home and laid it over through the mill yard to the vicinity of the burning buildings, a distance of 1400 feet. The hose enabled the men to use a larger hose from the pump and the fire was soon put out.
Damage to the mill amounted to about $2000, with no insurance, according to a statement by Manager Chauncey Florey. Mr. Florey today expressed his sincere appreciation of the work of the local department and said but for their prompt arrival and skillful work for the entire mill would have been destroyed." (The Central Point American)
July 23, 1942: "The Southern Oregon Sugar Pine company started building five years ago and was a very small concern. When it first opened for business, it had a crew of about 15 men. We feel that largely thru the efforts of the manager, Mr. Chauncey Florey, the business has increased until at present they run a crew of 140 men which includes the men in the saw mill at Tiller and in the woods. They saw government timber and all of the lumber from the Tiller mill is hauled into Central Point for kiln drying and finishing. The firm furnishes kiln dry select lumber to the navy." (The Central point American)
September 21, 1942: "The Southern Oregon Sugar Pine company sawmill near Central Point was destroyed by fire Saturday at a loss estimated by Chauncey Florey, owner, at $25,000.
Sparks in a sawdust pile were blamed.
A dry kiln, boilers and lumber in the yard were saved. Florey said insurance covered half the loss." (Herald and News)
Sparks in a sawdust pile were blamed.
A dry kiln, boilers and lumber in the yard were saved. Florey said insurance covered half the loss." (Herald and News)
September 23, 1942: "The sawmill of the Southern Oregon Sugar Pine company, destroyed by fire Saturday, will be rebuilt, Chauncey Florey, owner, said Tuesday.
He said the loss was approximately $25,000 and that the mill had orders on hand totaling about $100,000." (Herald and News)
He said the loss was approximately $25,000 and that the mill had orders on hand totaling about $100,000." (Herald and News)
October 22, 1942: "Mr. Ivan Hale is now rebuilding the Southern Oregon Sugar Pine Mill. The cement foundation is laid. Mr. Hale has been building mills in many places, one at Myrtle Point, one at Merlin, then he worked at Camp White, then he built another mill at Tiller and now is back home and is rebuilding the Southern Oregon Pine Mill that was recently destroyed by fire." (The Central Point American)