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Newspaper Archive of
Shelton Mason County Journal
Shelton, Washington
August 13, 2020     Shelton Mason County Journal
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August 13, 2020
 
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Page A-10 Shelton-Mason County Journal Thursday, Aug. 13, 2020 HISTORYATA GLANCE The town ofPotlatch rIII‘he town of Potlatch was born in 1900, when Sol Simpson and A. H. An- derson incorporated the Phoe- nix Logging Co., to build a rail- road and log the prime timber in the hills above Hoodsport. The company purchased land along the waterfront near the old Indian Potlatch Grounds, where gift—giving ceremonies had been held until at least the 1860s, and built a company town. In 1901, a supplement to the Ma- son County Journal, extolling the at- tractions of Mason County, wrote of Potlatch: “Potlatch is a new town in every respect, and was located about one year ago. It is the creature of the Phoenix Logging Company, as here all the logs brought to salt water by this large institution are made into rafts and here are the headquarters for the company’s offices, the Phoenix Hotel, L. K. Munson’s‘ store, a livery barn, wharf and warehouse, black- smith shop, engine house, and several other buildings. Mr. Anderson has a neat cottage in an unfinished stage. Water is piped into all the houses. “About 4 1/2 miles of railroad are now in operation, and the roadbed is first-class, sawed ties and planked the entire distance. The grade to sur- By JAN PARKER mount the hill is very steep, being as much as nine per cent at the worst pitch. It is a little disconcerting to a ‘chechaco’ (Chinook jargon word meaning a newcomer or greenhorn) to whisk up the hill on the big Baldwin and looking back down the vista of st’eep track to recall and regret the mean things of the past. It would be im- practical to haul more than one or two loaded cars either up or down such a grade, but under the sys- tem used, hauling of logs is done ex- peditiously and in comparative safety. “A turn of 18 or more logs well dogged together is trailed behind the locomotive and snaked along to the rollway four miles down the hill in a jiffy, about 14 trips being made every day. When the bay is reached, the dogs are removed and the logs are pushed backward, a short piece of steel rail sheering them into the water. On the steep grades the logs act as a check on the engine, and they keep the track well on curves, al- though a crooked stick will occasion- ally ‘fly the track.’ “Although but newly organized, the company has taken a place among the leading industrial enterprises of Ma- son County. President S. G. Simpson; Vice President A. H. Anderson; Secre- Potlatch from the wharf. The A.H. Anderson house is in foreground with hotel behind it. Photo courtesy of Mason County Historical Museum tary W.A. McDonald — all gentlemen of high business abilities — are held in high esteem and honored for the efforts they have made to develop this country’s industrial and commercial importance. “In the new and thriving town of Potlatch we notice especially the fine, large and well-conducted public place of entertainment known as the . Phoenix Hotel, of which Mr. John Mc- Carty is the genial and accommodat- ing host. This place opened March 14, 1901 and has capacity of accom- modating over 60 people at night and seating over a hundredpeople in its immense dining room. Mr. McCarty The Shelton-Mason County Journal is seeking qualified applicants to contribute stories and news reporting all around Mason County Do You Enjoy Writing? Photography? You’ll join a hard—working, award-winning news staff that is consistently named among the best in Washington. You’ll be among the best reporters, photographers and designers in the state. As a member of this vibrant Community, you know what a wonderful 'area we live in and what a variety of events and lifestyles we enjoy. You could geteven more‘ involved and participate in bringing news and stories to our thousands of readers each week. We offer a variety of compensation options such as pay-.per-story, regular hours, or salary for the right candidates. To apply, please email your resume along with several examples of your writing to: john@masoncounty.com also runs a livery barn in connection with the hotel and day or night one will meet with a warm welcome at this hostelry.” Note: When Phoenix Logging Co., closed operations in August 1940, the company houses were offered for sale to the inhabitants. The railroad steel was cut up, the Phoenix Hotel was torn down and Potlatch’s commercial buildings and equipment were sold. I Jan Parker is a researcher for the Mason County Historical Museum. She can be reached at parkerj@hctc. com. Membership in the Mason Coun- ty Historical Society is per year. Slultgnflltasnummtg lingual