Hull-Oakes Lumber Co

[JV]

While channel surfing this evening, I found something interesting on RFD TV.  It was a

one hour show on the last steam powered sawmill, the Hull-Oakes Lumber Co. in

Oregon.  This was the most interesting show I have watched in a long time.  Here is

a company started during the depression, and with careful management, survived.

Nothing fancy, but good basic practices.  I would like to see that 550 hp engine in

person.  I just checked and it looks like a 117 minute DVD is available.  I think I will order

it tomorrow.  Has anyone actually visited this mill?

[Mooseherder]

I just watched it also. It is part of their Classic Tractor series.
It was also the second time I came across that show while channel surfing.
We caught about 40 minutes of it. It was very interesting and educational.
How they keep that mill running with a Steam engine from 1915 is in itself incredible.

[Dave Shepard]

Is that with Max Armstrong? When my father watches his tractor movies with Max at 130 db he will blow you out of the room.


Dave

[Gilman]

I was going to surprise my fiance with a trip to there on our honeymoon, but I didn't get it arranged in time. :(  I think it is only 3-4 hours from here but haven't made it there yet.

My friend works in field service for Armstrong Mfg (industrial saw grinding equipment, I worked there for a while and designed their auto swager, shaper  www.armstrongblue.com) and he takes overseas customers there a few times a year.  He told me, "yes the boiler is hot, and yes I touched it."

He was there once when they were sawing a 60' beam.  He says it's a must see and the owners are really nice.  I'll try and get some of his photos and post them.

[Daren]

I caught that too, twice, it was so interesting the first time. I had a vcr tape handy the second time.

[Gilman]

What's RFD TV? ???

[JV]

RFD TV is a 24 hour network available on some satellite and cable companies.  It has shows

specifically for rural interests.  Livestock, horses, farming, etc.  They have shows like

the Classic Tractor series with antique tractors and gas engines.  This was the show

that had the Hull-Oakes mill.  Another show that on the network is Rural Heritage,

with interesting features on draft animals and the old ways of farming.  My wife and I

always enjoy many of their shows. 

[Celeriac]

My dad and I made it there this spring on a trip to the West Coast.  It is certainly worth the time to stop.  The folks there are nice and we spent some time chatting with one of the owners while waiting for the guide.  It's a slice of living history in the age of computerized log scanners and such stuff.  I have a small video on YouTube --Photos MUST be in the Forestry Forum gallery!!!!!--/photo_zoom.gne?id=539033240&size=o[/img]