The Shingle Trust's New Order
Shingle manufacturers and dealers in Washington and Oregon form an association to control production and fix market prices.
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The convention of shingle manufacturers held in Seattle adopted a plan of organization in conjunction with the local dealers. The plan provides for the formation of two associations to jointly govern prices and ensure they are maintained. Manufacturers are required to deposit 5 cents for each 1,000 shingles sold as a 'forfeit' for the observance of the agreement, which will be managed by a joint executive committee. The committee also has the power to order a general restriction of production to keep supply in check. A resolution was passed to raise the price of shingles to no less than $1.40 for Star A Star and $1.65 for clear shingles. Many prominent regional mills, including those in Whatcom, Skagit, and Chehalis counties, have pledged to sign the agreement.
“The executive committee is to have power to order a general restriction of the production by all mills alike.”
This early attempt at a regional monopoly mirrors the ongoing tension between market consolidation and small-business autonomy in Washington's timber and trade industries. The 'forfeit' system and production restrictions are textbook examples of 19th-century anti-competitive strategies attempting to survive volatile market conditions.
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