Title:
Alaska House Log Mill at Ward Cove, October 1953
Photographer:
Paulu T. Saari
Description:
Ketchikan Pulp mill in the background.
E. E. Reagan, Bert Libe and Jim Kimmick established the Alaska House Log Corporation in 1953 and built their mill on the north side of Ward Cove creek.
Cedar logs purchased from local loggers were boomed in the creek just below the log deck at the front end of the mill. The first process they were put through was cutting to size with the head saw. Next, the timbers were trimmed to approximately 4x6 inches by the edger. Then the finisher gave the house log its characteristic rounding on one side and a square groove on each of its narrow sides.
In building, a spline or small square piece of lumber was fitted into the groove, with the next log fitted over the spline to give a weather-tight joining. The exterior of the resulting wall resembled traditional log construction, while the interior surface was smooth and flat. The mill produced standard house logs of 8, 10 and 12-foot lengths, as well as special orders.
E. E. Reagan, Bert Libe and Jim Kimmick established the Alaska House Log Corporation in 1953 and built their mill on the north side of Ward Cove creek.
Cedar logs purchased from local loggers were boomed in the creek just below the log deck at the front end of the mill. The first process they were put through was cutting to size with the head saw. Next, the timbers were trimmed to approximately 4x6 inches by the edger. Then the finisher gave the house log its characteristic rounding on one side and a square groove on each of its narrow sides.
In building, a spline or small square piece of lumber was fitted into the groove, with the next log fitted over the spline to give a weather-tight joining. The exterior of the resulting wall resembled traditional log construction, while the interior surface was smooth and flat. The mill produced standard house logs of 8, 10 and 12-foot lengths, as well as special orders.
Collection:
Ketchikan Museums: Paulu T. Saari Collection, KM 2003.2.63.970
Click to Enlarge
Alaska House Log Mill at Ward Cove, 1953
Alaska House Log Mill at Ward Cove, 1953