The Potential of Hemlock
A new Chamber of Commerce report highlights the high tannin content of local hemlock bark, sparking hopes for a new manufacturing industry in Hoquiam.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
In response to an inquiry from the Chamber of Commerce, Professor Norton of Seattle has confirmed that Grays Harbor hemlock bark is highly valuable for tannin, containing a significantly higher percentage of the substance than bark found in other regions like Wisconsin or Pennsylvania. Following this, Mr. J. F. Soule investigated the costs, determining that the bark could be loaded on scows in the Hoquiam River for $4.00 per cord. The findings have prompted the initiation of negotiations to establish a new tannin factory in Hoquiam, as the region looks to industrialize its raw timber resources.
“Pacific coast hemlock bark contains a much greater percentage of tannin, which is thought to be 100 per cent.”
This report captures the era's 'growth machine' mentality, where the community actively sought to refine raw goods locally rather than just shipping them out. It mirrors current regional efforts to move beyond simple resource extraction toward value-added manufacturing.
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