For the history buffs - a brief history of sawmilling in Vancouver, BC

Brmorgan · Sep 21, 2009

I came across some interesting information abut the history of Vancouver as a milltown which I thought you guys might find interesting, at least those of us who live in this neck of the woods. Many people think the city came as a result of the gold rushes of the 1860s, but those gave rise to Victoria and New Westminster. Anyway forgive the large size of the pics, but I'd rather keep it big & readable and let individuals shrink it to fit smaller screens as needed, rather than make it smaller and lose legibility.

Brmorgan · Sep 21, 2009

What really amazed me were the dimensions of some of the timbers sent out of those mills - specifically on p. 29 of timbers 101' long by 24" square, but even more so the ones shipped to the Chinese Imperial Palace - a whopping 112' long, 28" square, and completely knot-free. I can't even begin to fathom such a piece of wood. I rarely cut entire firewood trees bigger than that. And they certainly aren't knot-free!

mikeb1079 · Sep 21, 2009

cool history

thanks for the post. very interesting stuff. i too, cannot begin to imagine the majesty of trees of that proportion. my wife and i stayed in gastown a few years back, wish i would've read up on vancouver history a bit! anyways, thanks again.
mb

DRB · Sep 21, 2009

Thanks Brmorgan. I love early history of the coast. I have not read to much about Vancouver thou.

My grandfather rigged spar trees on the Island when they use steam donkeys and live trees a spars. He topped a large coastal fir in his back yard in the 80's when he was in his late 70's just for fun. We have picture of him sitting on the top with the tree still swaying back and forth.

My uncle worked in many of the coastal inlets in logging operations like Toba Inlet & Rivers Inlet.

I miss hearing their stories about logging now that they are both gone. I would have loved to see some of the things they got to see.

I grew up in Powell River and the Loise water shed was one of the most fertile growing area on the coast. Some pretty cool history from that area. I have seen 5 foot diameter second growth Doug Fir growing in amongst 8 foot and larger spring boarded Cedar stumps. But most of the big second growth fir is gone now to.

I could go on for awhile but my typing is really bad.

Thanks again :clap:

DRB · Sep 22, 2009

Oh ya BTW you are the scanner king.

Kicker_92 · Sep 22, 2009

Thanks for the history, you'd never guess that about Vancouver these days!

Coalsmoke · Sep 23, 2009

Hey Brmorgan, thanks for posting that. I wish I could get timber like that now! This 3rd / 4th growth wood (whatever series we're on now) can sure be a pain.