A Massive Expansion for the West Mill
Local business interests and citizens pool resources to save and modernize a major lumber mill.
The negotiations which have been for some time pending in connection with the West mill have at last been completed, and today S. E. Slade becomes a half owner in the property. The citizens last week raised nearly the required amount to pay the additional claim of Dr. Book. Upon Mr. Book's return this morning he promptly met the committee, and liberally donated the balance, and the papers are now being prepared and will be put in escrow this afternoon. The mill will be remodeled, made two stories high, fitted with a band saw, and in every way made to compete with any mill on earth. These improvements will cost $7,000, and will probably require three months time to complete. It will first be started up to cut material for the improvements.
“May the good Lord bring us more as good.”
Aberdeen's history is inextricably linked to the boom-and-bust cycles of its lumber mills. This story captures the immense civic effort required to keep such industrial engines running, a precursor to the modern debates over economic development and waterfront revitalization.
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