TIDE WATER MILL CO. (PORTER BRO.'S)
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Lane County - Florence
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Formerly the Oregon & California Lumber Company
June 28, 1912: “The Tidewater Lumber Company is the name of a new corporation which has just been organized to carry on milling and lumber business in Florence.
The new company has taken over the saw mill, and all the real estate including the timber lands, formerly owned by the Oregon & California Lumber Co. J. P. Porter of the firm of Porter Bros. Of Portland is president and A. R. Osland is secretary. It is strictly an Oregon company and does not include any of the stockholders of the Oregon & California Co.
In an interview with P. Bruhn of Porter Bros. Yesterday he stated that the company contemplates engaging extensively in the manufacture of lumber and are planning for a mill at Florence that will cut 250,000 to 300,000 feet per day. This will require extensive wharves and other facilities for loading vessels and to handle the business will require an investment of about $400,000 capital.
A mill of that capacity would furnish employment for several hundred men around the mill and in the logging camps and would mean a great deal toward building up the town and developing this portion of Oregon.” (The West)
The new company has taken over the saw mill, and all the real estate including the timber lands, formerly owned by the Oregon & California Lumber Co. J. P. Porter of the firm of Porter Bros. Of Portland is president and A. R. Osland is secretary. It is strictly an Oregon company and does not include any of the stockholders of the Oregon & California Co.
In an interview with P. Bruhn of Porter Bros. Yesterday he stated that the company contemplates engaging extensively in the manufacture of lumber and are planning for a mill at Florence that will cut 250,000 to 300,000 feet per day. This will require extensive wharves and other facilities for loading vessels and to handle the business will require an investment of about $400,000 capital.
A mill of that capacity would furnish employment for several hundred men around the mill and in the logging camps and would mean a great deal toward building up the town and developing this portion of Oregon.” (The West)
June 30, 1912: "The sawmill owned by the Oregon & California Lumber Company here, which has been idle for months on account of litigation, will begin work at once. The property has been taken over by a new company to be known as the Tidewater Lumber Company, with head offices in Portland, controlled by Porter Brothers, who have most of the Eugene-Coos Bay Railroad contract.
Dan Bruhn, who is here in the interests of Porter Brothers, states that this will be the most prosperous year this section has ever known, as the mill will begin operations at once. Work will be begun on the railroad shortly, and the harbor improvement goes on steadily.
The steamer Roscoe, which has been tied up for some time, will be put on the run between Florence and Newport, to carry the freight necessary for the railroad building. The bar here is now in splendid condition, the steamer Anvil on a recent trip finding 18 feet of water. The Hurd Co-Operative Packing Company's cannery has been leased by the W.E. Tallant, of Astoria, who will operate it during the coming fishing season." (The Sunday Oregonian)
Dan Bruhn, who is here in the interests of Porter Brothers, states that this will be the most prosperous year this section has ever known, as the mill will begin operations at once. Work will be begun on the railroad shortly, and the harbor improvement goes on steadily.
The steamer Roscoe, which has been tied up for some time, will be put on the run between Florence and Newport, to carry the freight necessary for the railroad building. The bar here is now in splendid condition, the steamer Anvil on a recent trip finding 18 feet of water. The Hurd Co-Operative Packing Company's cannery has been leased by the W.E. Tallant, of Astoria, who will operate it during the coming fishing season." (The Sunday Oregonian)
July 5, 1912: “A mass meeting of the citizens of Florence was held at Knowles' pavilion Monday evening to consider the proposition of J. P. Porter in regard to operating the mill here and enlarging the capacity of the plant.
Though but a few hours notice was given nearly every taxpayer in the town was present, besides some from Glenada.
The meeting organized by electing Mayor J. W. Bergman as chairman.
On taking his seat the chairman stated the object of the meeting and invited Mr. Porter to present his proposition to the assembled voters. This was done by Attorney Fred Hollister in behalf of Mr. Porter.
Mr. Hollister stated that the mill company wanted the right to use Front Street from the Bank to the mill leaving a drive way open, and to use Lincoln Street from Front Street to the river. They also wanted to purchase tide land east of the mill to connect their boom with their property farther up the river. He stated that if this is granted they would enlarge the mill to about three time present capacity and pay roll of $50,000, per month and would establish offices here making Florence their paying station for the men employed on their railroad contract which would mean the disbursement of probably $100,000 per month additional. Mr. Hollister also mentioned one or two very liberal offers the company had received to locate the mill in other places.
Remarks were then made upon the proposition by several of those present among them being Dr. Edwards, Rev. Baker, Messrs. Evans, Weatherson, Brynd, Mahoney, Johnson, Hollenbeck and others. All the speakers expressed themselves in favor of granting the privileges asked for by the company and ready to do what they could to help the matter along.
On motion of R. S. Huston a committee consisting of J. W. Bergman, W. R. Hollenbeck and Geo. ZT. Schroeder was appointed to prepare a petition to ascertain how many of the voters are in favor of granting the request of Mr. Porter and to request the town trustees to prepare an ordinance granting the use of the streets and to call a special election to vote on the question.
Before the meeting adjourned 56 voters signed a paper stating that they were in favor of the proposition.
An ordinance was drawn the next day providing for leasing the streets to the mill company and a special meeting of the council held Tuesday evening to take the necessary steps for holding an election.” (The West)
Though but a few hours notice was given nearly every taxpayer in the town was present, besides some from Glenada.
The meeting organized by electing Mayor J. W. Bergman as chairman.
On taking his seat the chairman stated the object of the meeting and invited Mr. Porter to present his proposition to the assembled voters. This was done by Attorney Fred Hollister in behalf of Mr. Porter.
Mr. Hollister stated that the mill company wanted the right to use Front Street from the Bank to the mill leaving a drive way open, and to use Lincoln Street from Front Street to the river. They also wanted to purchase tide land east of the mill to connect their boom with their property farther up the river. He stated that if this is granted they would enlarge the mill to about three time present capacity and pay roll of $50,000, per month and would establish offices here making Florence their paying station for the men employed on their railroad contract which would mean the disbursement of probably $100,000 per month additional. Mr. Hollister also mentioned one or two very liberal offers the company had received to locate the mill in other places.
Remarks were then made upon the proposition by several of those present among them being Dr. Edwards, Rev. Baker, Messrs. Evans, Weatherson, Brynd, Mahoney, Johnson, Hollenbeck and others. All the speakers expressed themselves in favor of granting the privileges asked for by the company and ready to do what they could to help the matter along.
On motion of R. S. Huston a committee consisting of J. W. Bergman, W. R. Hollenbeck and Geo. ZT. Schroeder was appointed to prepare a petition to ascertain how many of the voters are in favor of granting the request of Mr. Porter and to request the town trustees to prepare an ordinance granting the use of the streets and to call a special election to vote on the question.
Before the meeting adjourned 56 voters signed a paper stating that they were in favor of the proposition.
An ordinance was drawn the next day providing for leasing the streets to the mill company and a special meeting of the council held Tuesday evening to take the necessary steps for holding an election.” (The West)
July 5, 1912: "The Tidewater Lumber Company has been organized among a number of heavy timber owners on the lower Siuslaw River, and a huge sawmill probably with a capacity of 250,000 or 300,000 feet of lumber every day, will be erected at Florence. The company has taken over the mill of the Oregon & California Lumber Co. there, but it will either be dismantled or operated separately from the new plant. Extensive wharves will be built, and the company will operate a big fleet of tugs and schooners." (The Monmouth Herald)
July 26, 1912: “A special election was held in Florence last Monday to take a vote on the question of granting to J. P. Porter, his successors and assigns the right to use a portion of certain streets for their convenience in operating their mill,
As only those persons residing in town, whose names appear on the last tax roll are entitled to vote on such questions, the total vote cast was not as large as at the regular election.
In all 49 ballots were cast of which 43 were in favor of the proposition, 5 opposed and one blank ballot.” (The West)
As only those persons residing in town, whose names appear on the last tax roll are entitled to vote on such questions, the total vote cast was not as large as at the regular election.
In all 49 ballots were cast of which 43 were in favor of the proposition, 5 opposed and one blank ballot.” (The West)
September 11, 1912: "The people of Florence are raising $7500 to be used toward purchasing additional tidelands for the Porter Bros.' mill at Florence. The mill has been idle for more than a year, partly on account of not having enough room to operate to a success. The purchase of this land means that the mill will commence operation at once. The Porters have also assured the people that many other industries would be located at Florence." (The Oregon Daily Journal)
September 13, 1912: “A meeting of the voters and property owners of Florence was held at Brynd's hall Friday evening to see what could be done to secure the additional ground desired by Porter Bro's for their mill for booming ground.
Mayor J. W. Bergman called the meeting to order and was elected chairman. He stated that there is about $6500 difference between the price Porter Bros. Are willing to pay for the property, and the price at which it is held by the owners. He also said that the mill have been offered another site on the river.
Remarks were made by several of those present, all of whom expressed themselves as anxious to have the mill remain here and see its capacity increased.
On motion George T. Schroeders, J. W. Bergman, Wm. Brynd, Archie Knowles and Geo. M. Miller were appointed a committee to see what amount can be raised by subscription. Some were in favor of bonding the town to raise the funds but it was decided the plan is not feasible.” (The West)
Mayor J. W. Bergman called the meeting to order and was elected chairman. He stated that there is about $6500 difference between the price Porter Bros. Are willing to pay for the property, and the price at which it is held by the owners. He also said that the mill have been offered another site on the river.
Remarks were made by several of those present, all of whom expressed themselves as anxious to have the mill remain here and see its capacity increased.
On motion George T. Schroeders, J. W. Bergman, Wm. Brynd, Archie Knowles and Geo. M. Miller were appointed a committee to see what amount can be raised by subscription. Some were in favor of bonding the town to raise the funds but it was decided the plan is not feasible.” (The West)
December 13, 1912: “Papers were signed here Saturday evening by which Johnson P. Porter bought from Wm. Kyle & Sons Co. the tide land and waterfront owned by them in the upper part of town, adjoining the boom of the Tidewater Mill Co. The deal has been pending for several months, but terms were not agreed upon till last Saturday.
Mr. Porter arrived here last Friday from Eugene and proceeded to close the negotiations and have a written agreement made out. The property sold includes 14 ½ acres of tide land and nearly all of the fractional block on the river front above the mill, besides a small tract of water front lying between B. Barnett's wharf and T. H. Phillips' property. The ownership of the tide land also gives control of boomage ground of nearly equal area lying between it and the harbor line of the river channel.
The price paid is $15,000 besides certain other considerations, and is the largest sum ever paid for unimproved property in Florence.
This purchase gives Mr. Porter and the Tidewater Mill Co. of which he is the principal stockholder as good a site for a mill and booming ground as can be found on the Siuslaw River. They now have practically three blocks of water front in Florence and the island below the mouth of North Fork, together with the tide land between the two tracts, giving over a mile of boomin ground along the river channel.
The transaction means a great deal to Florence as it gives assurance that the mill will be operated steadily here and that it will be on a solid financial basis.
Mr. Porter stated that he will at once send a crew of men here to repair the mill and put it in order for operating. He intends to have it ready for sawing by February 1, 1913.
His plans include the erection of a large dry kiln and some other adjuncts for the mill. He intends to employ a force of about 110 men steadily and to work a double crew during the summer
Before leaving town Mr. Porter requested Mr. Kyle to have boom for storing logs built from the island down to the upper end of the present boom at the mill. This is to be done immediately.” (The West)
Mr. Porter arrived here last Friday from Eugene and proceeded to close the negotiations and have a written agreement made out. The property sold includes 14 ½ acres of tide land and nearly all of the fractional block on the river front above the mill, besides a small tract of water front lying between B. Barnett's wharf and T. H. Phillips' property. The ownership of the tide land also gives control of boomage ground of nearly equal area lying between it and the harbor line of the river channel.
The price paid is $15,000 besides certain other considerations, and is the largest sum ever paid for unimproved property in Florence.
This purchase gives Mr. Porter and the Tidewater Mill Co. of which he is the principal stockholder as good a site for a mill and booming ground as can be found on the Siuslaw River. They now have practically three blocks of water front in Florence and the island below the mouth of North Fork, together with the tide land between the two tracts, giving over a mile of boomin ground along the river channel.
The transaction means a great deal to Florence as it gives assurance that the mill will be operated steadily here and that it will be on a solid financial basis.
Mr. Porter stated that he will at once send a crew of men here to repair the mill and put it in order for operating. He intends to have it ready for sawing by February 1, 1913.
His plans include the erection of a large dry kiln and some other adjuncts for the mill. He intends to employ a force of about 110 men steadily and to work a double crew during the summer
Before leaving town Mr. Porter requested Mr. Kyle to have boom for storing logs built from the island down to the upper end of the present boom at the mill. This is to be done immediately.” (The West)
December 13, 1912: “Three mill wrights arrived here from Portland last evening to commence repairing the Florence mill. Several more are on the way and will arrive in a day or two.” (The West)
December 20, 1912: “Mr. Lea and sons, the mill wrights who came here from Portland a week ago, have been looking over the mill to see what is needed to put the machinery in order for operating as well as to make some changes that are contemplated in the arrangements. As soon as some needed supplies arrive, the men will get busy putting it in first-class condition.
The electric lighting fixtures have been overhauled and some more wires put up to give plenty of light in all parts of the building.” (The West)
The electric lighting fixtures have been overhauled and some more wires put up to give plenty of light in all parts of the building.” (The West)
December 27, 1912: “Mr. Naylor, engineer for the Tidewater Mill Co. arrived here from Portland a week ago and has begun his work at the mill.” (The West)
January 3, 1913: “Mr. Lees, head mill-wright for the Tidewater Mill Co. left Sunday for Portland having been called there by the officers of the company for a conference in regard to the mill.” (The West)
January 10, 1913: “We are informed by D. Bruhn that the Tidewater mill will be ready to run in a few days more. The Superintendent, Mr. Dutton has been in Chicago but is expected here before long.” (The West)
January 17, 1913: “The sound of the whistle at the mill was heard several times this week, reminding our people that this will soon be heard again calling the men to their daily labors.
The mill is now nearly ready for operating but will not start till the boats get in with some needed supplies.
The mill-wrights are now at work putting up the pony band saw and with this in working order the capacity of of the mill for sawing lumber will be greatly increased.” (The West)
The mill is now nearly ready for operating but will not start till the boats get in with some needed supplies.
The mill-wrights are now at work putting up the pony band saw and with this in working order the capacity of of the mill for sawing lumber will be greatly increased.” (The West)
January 17, 1913: “Mr. Lees, head mill wright for the Tidewater Mill Co. returned last Friday from Portland and is busy putting the machinery in order at the mill.” (The West)
March 12, 1913: “The starting of the mill in Florence last Monday marked a period of activity that will be of great benefit. The place was quite a busy one. The payroll that will emanate from this source will be a large factor in the future growth of Florence.” (The Siuslaw Pilot)
March 12, 1913: “Andrew Olson, Jr. of Portland, arrived last Thursday to take charge of the planing department of the Tide Water mill.” (The Siuslaw Pilot)
March 12, 1913: “At last the hopes and aspirations of the people of this community have been realized in the starting of the Tide Water mill after two years of idleness the big mill tooted its whistle at noon last Monday for the workmen to assemble. It is putting it mildly to say that everybody is wearing a smile as the small army of men are seen gliding hither and thither at their various tasks. It means prosperity to the homes of the workingmen, it means dollars in the cash registers of the merchants, in fact it means something of good to every inhabitant of the Siuslaw valley. The mill starts with a crew of seventy men officered as follows: General Superintendent, H. B. Dutton; Mill Superintendent, Thos. Catelle; Yard Superintendent, A. O. Day; Office Manager, H. F. Glenn; Head Sawyer, M. J. Sullivan.
There is only one planer running as yet and the lumber that is being sawed now is for repairs on the mill property. Later on as the company becomes better organized the force will be augmented. Among the improvements going on now is the laying of new planking on the yards.” (The Siuslaw Pilot)
There is only one planer running as yet and the lumber that is being sawed now is for repairs on the mill property. Later on as the company becomes better organized the force will be augmented. Among the improvements going on now is the laying of new planking on the yards.” (The Siuslaw Pilot)
March 12, 1913: “Ed Walker now head teamster for the Tidewater Mill Co's logging camp was in town Saturday night.” (The Siuslaw Pilot)
March 12, 1913: “Jodie Wisdom of the Stears-Wisdom Logging Co. has gone to Florence to take a position with the Tidewater Mill Co.” (The Siuslaw Pilot)
March 12, 1913: “A contract has been let by the Tide Water Mill Co. to Sanborn & Tanner to construct a new dock, 320 feet long by 125 feet deep, extending from the west side of the mill property to the end of the old boom, increasing the capacity to 8,000,000 feet within ships tackle and over all 12,000,000 feet. The contractors commenced driving piling last Friday morning, and will continue the work to the full capacity of their equipment until completed.” (The Siuslaw Pilot)
March 12, 1913: “We have been reliably informed that the Tide Water Mill Co. will begin at once constructing new planer sheds and dry kilns. Three new up-to-date planes will be put in as soon as the buildings are completed.” (The Siuslaw Pilot)
April 2, 1913: “A new six inch whistle was just put into service at the Tide Water Mill April fools morning, and it served the purpose of getting a good many people out of bed at an early hour to see what new steamer was coming up the river.” (The Siuslaw Pilot)
April 23, 1913: “The mill was shut down for a few days to install the new edger.” (The Siuslaw Pilot)
May 7, 1913: “The Tidewater Mill company are having two barges, of the first order, built at Bandon for carrying lumber to Frisco. They will each be 700,000 feet capacity and be towed by the tug.” (The Siuslaw Pilot)
May 14, 1913: “The Tidewater Mill Co. since taking the plant have increased its capacity to 140,000 per day. This output is hard to handle because of lack of laborers and the work is handicapped by this question, which is quite discouraging to the management.
They desire to employ men that live here in the mill, but find unless more come in, they will have a serious problem to secure help.
Men with families will be encouraged to make their home in Florence and there is a demand for this kind.” (The Siuslaw Pilot)
They desire to employ men that live here in the mill, but find unless more come in, they will have a serious problem to secure help.
Men with families will be encouraged to make their home in Florence and there is a demand for this kind.” (The Siuslaw Pilot)
May 14, 1913: “The Patsy brought a new drag saw in for the mill.” (The Siuslaw Pilot)
May 14, 1913: “The Tide Water Mill Co. received material for an oil tank and will erect it on a platform built on piling just above the mill.” (The Siuslaw Pilot)
May 14, 1913: “Charley Wisdom, received an injury last week at the mill by a truck wheel running over his heel and while he had to use crutches a short time is getting along nicely and will soon be at work again.” (The Siuslaw Pilot)
June 4, 1913: “The Tide Water Mill Co. is having a 10 inch well drilled just east of the black smith shop.
The pile driver was brought around into the mill pond close to the bank and a cable rigged up so as to operate the drill which had been brought by team from Gardiner.
P. L. Decoto, of Oakland, California arrived last week and is foreman of the job.
The well is now down 80 feet and they expect to go down 200 feet so as to secure plenty of pure water.” (The Siuslaw Pilot)
The pile driver was brought around into the mill pond close to the bank and a cable rigged up so as to operate the drill which had been brought by team from Gardiner.
P. L. Decoto, of Oakland, California arrived last week and is foreman of the job.
The well is now down 80 feet and they expect to go down 200 feet so as to secure plenty of pure water.” (The Siuslaw Pilot)
June 4, 1913: “Frank Busky, who works on the carriage of the pony saw, had his shoulder injured this week. He says that he will soon be at work again.” (The Siuslaw Pilot)
June 11, 1913: “Sanborn & Tanner have a contract to replank and rebuild the slip at the foot of Lincoln street for the Tide Water Mill Co. The planking will extend to Main street.” (The Siuslaw Pilot)
June 11, 1913: “Three two-inch well points and pipe was put inside the 10 inch casing that the Tide Water Mill Co. had put down last week. One is at a depth of 108 feet, another 96 feet and the third 71 feet, while the outside casing was driven 74 feet.” (The Siuslaw Pilot)
June 18, 1913: “A pump was attached to two of the pipes in the new well and considerable water pumped out last week.
Piling has been driven out from the bank on the north side of the mill pond just above the mill and the space between will be filled for some distance.
The dock at the end of Lincoln street has been re-planked and much wharf room gained by the improvement.
Sanborn & Tanner are driving the last few piles at the east end of the large dock and it will soon be complete. The company will then have a wharf between 900 and 1000 feet long.
The lumber yard has been extended close up to Barney Burnett's place and gives lots more space for lumber.
The oil tank that is being erected some distance out from the east end of the mill dock will soon be finished.
The mill seems to be working quite stead now and is cutting a large amount of lumber.” (The Siuslaw Pilot)
Piling has been driven out from the bank on the north side of the mill pond just above the mill and the space between will be filled for some distance.
The dock at the end of Lincoln street has been re-planked and much wharf room gained by the improvement.
Sanborn & Tanner are driving the last few piles at the east end of the large dock and it will soon be complete. The company will then have a wharf between 900 and 1000 feet long.
The lumber yard has been extended close up to Barney Burnett's place and gives lots more space for lumber.
The oil tank that is being erected some distance out from the east end of the mill dock will soon be finished.
The mill seems to be working quite stead now and is cutting a large amount of lumber.” (The Siuslaw Pilot)
July 2, 1913: “While working in the mill Herbert Thom was severely injured and rendered unconscious.
No one saw Mr. Thom at the time but he was found in an unconscious condition laying on the conveyors that take the refuse from the edger to the saws where it is cut into slab wood.
He was taken to a doctors office for treatment and from there to the Bay View Hotel.
It seems he was endeavoring to clear the edgings from under the table, where they had become clogged and felt a stick hit him on the hand. He started to raise up to see what had happened when he was struck on the head and dazed, he then thought he had better get away from the conveyors and tried to. This was the last remembered until he regained consciousness.
Tuesday the young man was taken to the hospital at Mapleton and is reported to be getting along nicely.” (The Siuslaw Pilot)
No one saw Mr. Thom at the time but he was found in an unconscious condition laying on the conveyors that take the refuse from the edger to the saws where it is cut into slab wood.
He was taken to a doctors office for treatment and from there to the Bay View Hotel.
It seems he was endeavoring to clear the edgings from under the table, where they had become clogged and felt a stick hit him on the hand. He started to raise up to see what had happened when he was struck on the head and dazed, he then thought he had better get away from the conveyors and tried to. This was the last remembered until he regained consciousness.
Tuesday the young man was taken to the hospital at Mapleton and is reported to be getting along nicely.” (The Siuslaw Pilot)
July 2, 1913: “The large pump that was brought in some time ago has been installed and was tried out Sunday morning.
D.H. Collins the mill wright in charge at the plant finished the last part of the intake pipe and make connection with the river where they expect to get their water supply for the fire protection. Sunday the tanks were all filled and sprinklers used and the system worked nicely.
The pump is a Fairbanks-Morse make and in size is 16 x 9 x 12 inches, with a capacity of 750 gallons per minute, or it can throw three streams from 1 1/8 inch nozzles when used direct and is fed from a 10 inch intake pipe.
The pump house is located just east of the blacksmith house and was specially built for the purpose.
It also has the connections to attach to the deep wells just drilled, and when the new tank, which is being erected will be connected so to pump water. This tank will supply the drinking water and be used as an emergency supply in case of fire. The tank is to be 16 x 24 x 12 feet and will be ten feet from the ground.
Workmen have also driven piling parallel with the wharf just east of the mill, leaving a logway 24 feet wide. A double thickness of heavy planking has been driven down and a retaining wall made extending about 170 feet out from the mill, and the space between the wall and the bank will eventually be filled adding to the yardage room on that side.
The dock now is completed over 900 feet and while is a good large one, is sometimes tasked to its full capacity.
The oil tank being erected upstream from the dock is being covered this week.” (The Siuslaw Pilot)
D.H. Collins the mill wright in charge at the plant finished the last part of the intake pipe and make connection with the river where they expect to get their water supply for the fire protection. Sunday the tanks were all filled and sprinklers used and the system worked nicely.
The pump is a Fairbanks-Morse make and in size is 16 x 9 x 12 inches, with a capacity of 750 gallons per minute, or it can throw three streams from 1 1/8 inch nozzles when used direct and is fed from a 10 inch intake pipe.
The pump house is located just east of the blacksmith house and was specially built for the purpose.
It also has the connections to attach to the deep wells just drilled, and when the new tank, which is being erected will be connected so to pump water. This tank will supply the drinking water and be used as an emergency supply in case of fire. The tank is to be 16 x 24 x 12 feet and will be ten feet from the ground.
Workmen have also driven piling parallel with the wharf just east of the mill, leaving a logway 24 feet wide. A double thickness of heavy planking has been driven down and a retaining wall made extending about 170 feet out from the mill, and the space between the wall and the bank will eventually be filled adding to the yardage room on that side.
The dock now is completed over 900 feet and while is a good large one, is sometimes tasked to its full capacity.
The oil tank being erected upstream from the dock is being covered this week.” (The Siuslaw Pilot)
July 9, 1913: “Sanborn & Tanner are driving piling for the Tide Water Mill Co. Who are constructing a holding boom just above the mill.” (The Siuslaw Pilot)
July 9, 1913: “A crew of about ten men arrived in Florence Tuesday afternoon, to work for the Tide Water Mill Co.” (The Siuslaw Pilot)
July 16, 1913: “A drag saw float has just been completed and is a part of the mill equipment.” (The Siuslaw Pilot)
July 16, 1913: “The water tank at the mill has been completed. It will hold 40,000 gallons and will be used for the fresh water supply.” (The Siuslaw Pilot)
August 13, 1913: “The Tide Water Mill Co. have purchased from W. H. O'Kelly lots 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 in block 10 of the original town of Florence.
These will be used to erect homes for J. P. Porter, H. P. Dutton and R. F. Averill. Plans are now being drawn for Messrs Porter and Averill and Florence will soon have two new homes.” (The Siuslaw Pilot)
These will be used to erect homes for J. P. Porter, H. P. Dutton and R. F. Averill. Plans are now being drawn for Messrs Porter and Averill and Florence will soon have two new homes.” (The Siuslaw Pilot)
August 13, 1913: “The barge Frederick recently built for the Tide Water Mill Co. was brought into port last week and is now loading with lumber.
Capt. John Wasbust is in command and has a crew of two men with him.
The cargo brought in was about 400 tons of coal. On a recent trip to Gardiner, which was the first one made and just prior to entering the Siuslaw river a cargo of nearly 700 tons of coal was carried.
The barge was inspected July 25th and allowed a master, 1 crew and two extras when necessary.
The beam is 36 feet and eight inches in width, while the length is 140 feet and 10 inches, with a registered depth of 9 feet. A lumber cargo of over 600,000 can be handled and will be of great help to the Tide Water Mill Co., in transportation fleet. It was especially built for the Siuslaw river.” (The Siuslaw river.” (The Siuslaw Pilot)
Capt. John Wasbust is in command and has a crew of two men with him.
The cargo brought in was about 400 tons of coal. On a recent trip to Gardiner, which was the first one made and just prior to entering the Siuslaw river a cargo of nearly 700 tons of coal was carried.
The barge was inspected July 25th and allowed a master, 1 crew and two extras when necessary.
The beam is 36 feet and eight inches in width, while the length is 140 feet and 10 inches, with a registered depth of 9 feet. A lumber cargo of over 600,000 can be handled and will be of great help to the Tide Water Mill Co., in transportation fleet. It was especially built for the Siuslaw river.” (The Siuslaw river.” (The Siuslaw Pilot)
August 27, 1913: “E. D. Southmayd, head millwright at Tide Water Mill Co. plant, yesterday sustained what at the time seem to be a Colles fracture. He was on top of a flume, just built to carry the surplus material from the hog to where a fill is being made, when the supports gave way and he fell receiving a severe injury to his right wrist. He was taken to the office of Dr. Fox where Dr. L. L. Hoy, who is in charge at present cared for the injury, and then sent Mr. Southmayd to the hospital at Mapleton.”
“Elmer Lowe had his right hand injured by dropping a cant on it Tuesday morning. He works on the pony saw carriage at the mill.”
“G. B. Southmade, employed at the mill, twisted his ankle the first of the week and had to take a lay off several days.” (The Siuslaw Pilot)
“Elmer Lowe had his right hand injured by dropping a cant on it Tuesday morning. He works on the pony saw carriage at the mill.”
“G. B. Southmade, employed at the mill, twisted his ankle the first of the week and had to take a lay off several days.” (The Siuslaw Pilot)
September 10, 1913: “Measurements have been taken for the brick work and two more boilers will be installed at the Tide Water Mill Co's plant. With a battery of seven boilers and the auxiliary electric motors the mill will then have power enough for all purposes.
A new system of cut off saws, operated by a pneumatic controller will be put in. A resaw will also be operated by electricity and will be located at the west end of the mill.
A hog is in operation and furnishes fuel in the shape of ground slabs, which is conveyed to the fire room, mixed with the saw dust and fed to the furnaces as desired, the surplus being carried by flume to where a part of the tide flat is being filled.
Another flume is being built and will carry what slab refuse is not used as fuel out to the tide flats east of the mill, where it will be used to make more yard room.
A conveyor will soon be built to carry fuel from the hog to the electric light plant.
There are many minor improvements going on about the mill continually which figures quite a sum of money expended in the total. These are not usually noticed but mean a great deal toward increasing the output of the mill and placing it on a permanent basis.” (The Siuslaw Pilot)
A new system of cut off saws, operated by a pneumatic controller will be put in. A resaw will also be operated by electricity and will be located at the west end of the mill.
A hog is in operation and furnishes fuel in the shape of ground slabs, which is conveyed to the fire room, mixed with the saw dust and fed to the furnaces as desired, the surplus being carried by flume to where a part of the tide flat is being filled.
Another flume is being built and will carry what slab refuse is not used as fuel out to the tide flats east of the mill, where it will be used to make more yard room.
A conveyor will soon be built to carry fuel from the hog to the electric light plant.
There are many minor improvements going on about the mill continually which figures quite a sum of money expended in the total. These are not usually noticed but mean a great deal toward increasing the output of the mill and placing it on a permanent basis.” (The Siuslaw Pilot)
September 10, 1913: “A log raft broke loose last Friday night from where it was tied to the Mill Co's boom, and went to sea. It contained about 300,000 feet. Most of the boom sticks and a few logs were saved.” (The Siuslaw Pilot)
September 24, 1913: “Last Friday morning while C. I. Wisdom was working near the slab conveyor he was seen to run about fifty and then fall. When he was helped up, he muttered, 'Slab fell on me,' then became unconscious. He was taken to Dr. Fox's office and received treatment.
While the injury rendered him unconscious for a short time, it did not seem serious, and in the afternoon he was sent to his home in Glenada. Tuesday he was up and around the house, but suffering from the effect on his head and eyes. It is thought that in a few days he will have fully recovered.” (The Siuslaw Pilot)
While the injury rendered him unconscious for a short time, it did not seem serious, and in the afternoon he was sent to his home in Glenada. Tuesday he was up and around the house, but suffering from the effect on his head and eyes. It is thought that in a few days he will have fully recovered.” (The Siuslaw Pilot)
October 1, 1913: “The Tide Water Mill Co. are offering to pay $1.50 per thousand feet for the delivery of logs that were lost when the raft recently broke loose. They must bear brands of this company.” (The Siuslaw Pilot)
October 8, 1913: “The Tide Water Mill Co. Started their new resaw Tuesday afternoon, they having 700,000 feet of lumber to resaw.” (The Siuslaw Pilot)
October 15, 1913: “The Tide Water Mill Co. is installing two new boilers, making seven boilers in all, giving them steam capacity enough to run all the new machinery which the company intend to add to the mill this winter.” (The Siuslaw Pilot)
October 22, 1913: “While here Mr. J. P. Porter, made the following statements. That the mill would soon close down for repairs and improvements, and the addition of several new machines. The dock will be extended from the log hauler east to the oil tank, on the boom which is between 300 and 400 feet. The automatic trimmer will be installed on the water front side of the mill with the sorting table of live rolls at the east end of the mill running north into the yard. Automatic sprinklers will be put in all through the mill, which will make the danger from fire very remote and also lessen the insurance rates. Two new boilers will be installed to increase the steam capacity to run all the new machinery, and much more if it is so desired, at any time..
The plant will be increased to cut 150,000 feet of lumber per day and remodeled in such a way as to decrease the cost, in doing so. This work will take from 30 to 60 days to complete the changes and it is expected to run the mill steady from then on.” (The Siuslaw Pilot)
The plant will be increased to cut 150,000 feet of lumber per day and remodeled in such a way as to decrease the cost, in doing so. This work will take from 30 to 60 days to complete the changes and it is expected to run the mill steady from then on.” (The Siuslaw Pilot)
October 29, 1913: “The Tide Water Mill Company have had a large crew of men working on Lake creek, the past week, putting the logs which have lain upon the banks for the past few years in to the creek and cleaning the stream out in a general way making it possible to float logs into the Siuslaw river and then to the mill at Florence.
These logs have strewn the banks of Lake creek for many years and the work is badly needed.
The work is in charge of Mr. Fraize and is progressing nicely. Mr. R. F. Averill superintendent of the Tide Water Mill Co. plant at Florence expects to make an inspection trip up Lake creek, and inspect the work.” (The Siuslaw Pilot)
These logs have strewn the banks of Lake creek for many years and the work is badly needed.
The work is in charge of Mr. Fraize and is progressing nicely. Mr. R. F. Averill superintendent of the Tide Water Mill Co. plant at Florence expects to make an inspection trip up Lake creek, and inspect the work.” (The Siuslaw Pilot)
November 5, 1913: “The Tide Water Mill Co. is putting in a new motor to run the planers and the resaw.” (The Siuslaw Pilot)
November 5, 1913: “A concrete foundation 17 ½ feet by 18 feet 8 inches, has been placed at the Tide Water Mill Co's plant for the two new boilers, an additional shed will also be built to house them.” (The Siuslaw Pilot)
November 12, 1913: “Plans are now being drawn to change the trimmer to the south side of the mill building, and put in the air controller by which the man operating the saw sets the saws by pushing down the keys. The lumber will fall from the trimmer on to live rollers that will carry it west and down on to a new sorting table which will be much longer than the old one. The old sorting chain and table will be taken out and the new one built so as to receive the lumber at a point west of the south west corner of the mill and will extend north across Front street to the lots just bought from Mr. Seaman. In connection with this new arrangement many minor changes will be made.
The compressed air system that is to be used in operating air controllers is already in and has been used since the mill closed to clean the loose dirt and dust from many hard places to otherwise reach. The mill and yard is at present quite free from rubbish and presents a very neat appearance.
The two new boilers are being placed in position and will have a roof built over them.
Among other things to be done is the placing of a corrugated iron roof on the mill as an added protection from fire, and the painting of the mill soon.
The wharf is to be extended east as far as the oil tank. This work will be delayed some because of lack of piling. Next week the pile driver will commence driving piles so that a bridge can be built just east of the mill to connect the lumber yard and wharf as a convenience in trucking lumber.
A force of men is now kept busy at these improvements, and it is expected to have the plant in condition to saw to its full capacity when it starts again.” (The Siuslaw Pilot)
The compressed air system that is to be used in operating air controllers is already in and has been used since the mill closed to clean the loose dirt and dust from many hard places to otherwise reach. The mill and yard is at present quite free from rubbish and presents a very neat appearance.
The two new boilers are being placed in position and will have a roof built over them.
Among other things to be done is the placing of a corrugated iron roof on the mill as an added protection from fire, and the painting of the mill soon.
The wharf is to be extended east as far as the oil tank. This work will be delayed some because of lack of piling. Next week the pile driver will commence driving piles so that a bridge can be built just east of the mill to connect the lumber yard and wharf as a convenience in trucking lumber.
A force of men is now kept busy at these improvements, and it is expected to have the plant in condition to saw to its full capacity when it starts again.” (The Siuslaw Pilot)
February 27, 1914: "The Tidewater mill at Florence has been reconstructed and is preparing to saw $100,000 worth of logs this spring." (The Monmouth Herald)
June 23, 1915: "The Tidewater Mill company's plant here is preparing to resume operation after being shut down a year. Only the planers will be run at present, but there is enough lumber in the yards to run this department a month or six weeks.
The first load of lumber from the mill for this season was shipped out Sunday on the barge Lawrence, the tug Gleaner taking her out to Coos Bay, where the cargo will be reshipped to San Francisco. The Lawrence is to return immediately for another load, which will clean up the mill company's docks. The lumber for these two cargoes was cut a year ago." (The Oregon Daily Journal)
The first load of lumber from the mill for this season was shipped out Sunday on the barge Lawrence, the tug Gleaner taking her out to Coos Bay, where the cargo will be reshipped to San Francisco. The Lawrence is to return immediately for another load, which will clean up the mill company's docks. The lumber for these two cargoes was cut a year ago." (The Oregon Daily Journal)
January 14, 1916: “H. P. Dutton, manager of the Tide Water Mill Co., has been urging the construction of a spur from the main line of the railroad at Cushman, to Florence, to provide facilities for shipping lumber from their mill to market by cars.
The plan that he proposes is to build a railroad along or near the line of the county road from Cushman to Florence; to have the railroad and wagon road both constructed at the same time, and that the bridge across North Fork be so built that it may be used both by trains and teams.” (The West)
The plan that he proposes is to build a railroad along or near the line of the county road from Cushman to Florence; to have the railroad and wagon road both constructed at the same time, and that the bridge across North Fork be so built that it may be used both by trains and teams.” (The West)
February 1925: "The Porter Bros. Timber Co. has sold to the Tidewater Mill Co., which is controlled by the Porter brothers, 4422 acres of timber land in the western part of Lane County, according to a deed filed for record in the office of the county clerk. The timber lies in township 18, south of range 8 west. 19-6, 19-7, 19-8, 20-6 and 20-7. The Tidewater Mill Co. owns the old Hurd sawmill at Florence and other tidewater property on the lower Siuslaw. It is learned from local timber owners in that part of the county that the Tidewater Mill Co. is seeking to float a big loan and the transfer just recorded may be simply to add to the holdings of this company in order to afford more security for the loan, or it may mean that the plans are being made to either operate this mill or erect another plant somewhere on tidewater." (The Timberman, Vol. 26)
February 20, 1925: "A trust deed given by the Tide Water Mill company, which is a subsidiary of the Porter Bros. company, which owns large tracts of timber land in western Lane county and the old Hurd sawmill at Florence, to the Detroit Trust company, securing a loan of $600,000, was filed for record in the office of County Clerk Bryson at Eugene. The deed covers several thousand acres of the company's holdings." (The Boardman Mirror)