The last steam-powered sawmill in the United
States, the Phillips Brothers Mill is tucked away in the conifer forests
of Oak Run in central Shasta County. The mill has operated at the
current site since 1933 and is still an active business producing an
array of wood products milled from trees grown on the property.
The Phillips Brothers Mill was named for four brothers who fought in World War II and returned to Oak Run to operate the family business. To complement the mill, the brothers built the box factory and machine shop, both of which also run on steam power. The property is also home to historic steam-powered tractors, skidders, and other equipment which add to the visual impression of being taken back in time.
The Phillips Brothers Mill was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002. The entire 920 acres of the timbered property is protected by a conservation easement which permits the style of selective harvesting that the family has practiced on site for generations.
Access to the property is limited to occasional tours offered by the landowners or some of their many friends, including the Pacific Forest Trust, Shasta Historical Society, and Shasta Land Trust. The Phillips Brothers Mill is located north of the Oak Run Post Office on Bullskin Ridge Road. Take Bullskin Ridge Road east from Oak Run Road, which connects to highway 299.
The Phillips Brothers Mill was named for four brothers who fought in World War II and returned to Oak Run to operate the family business. To complement the mill, the brothers built the box factory and machine shop, both of which also run on steam power. The property is also home to historic steam-powered tractors, skidders, and other equipment which add to the visual impression of being taken back in time.
The Phillips Brothers Mill was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002. The entire 920 acres of the timbered property is protected by a conservation easement which permits the style of selective harvesting that the family has practiced on site for generations.
Access to the property is limited to occasional tours offered by the landowners or some of their many friends, including the Pacific Forest Trust, Shasta Historical Society, and Shasta Land Trust. The Phillips Brothers Mill is located north of the Oak Run Post Office on Bullskin Ridge Road. Take Bullskin Ridge Road east from Oak Run Road, which connects to highway 299.
Wood products offered for sale from the Phillips Brothers Mill are all produced from trees grown on the property. The trees are selectively harvested and protected by a conservation easement which mandates a multi-aged stand of trees in perpetuity.
Beautiful wood products are offered for sale including bird houses, bird feeders, gift boxes and bat houses. Gift boxes can be emblazoned with custom graphics.
The mill produces rough-cut lumber and logs that are increasingly popular in custom home building. Lumber (up to 40" wide), long timbers, decking, moldings, and fireplace mantels are available for purchase.
The business is truly a family business and when the eponymous brothers were aging, and without heirs, they selected nieces and nephews who could take over the business and run the mill. The descendants of the Edmund Phillips, who first started the original saw mill in 1897 on Little Cow Creek with head plates still used today, are the current owners and operators of the Phillips Brothers Mill.
:o)
Hmm. I worked around a sawmill for 30 years, but the term "head plate" a new one to me. I assume they mean the saw itself. I'll have to do a little research! Neat story.
ReplyDeleteJust knew you would like it, Gorges! :o)
DeleteYou were right, Cm!
DeleteIt's strictly what's called a "manual mill" (no power log-turning, etc.) which doesn't surprise me. I AM surprised that they only use two headblocks (holding units) for such long logs; our last mill had four. Also, the narrator misspoke in mentioning uneven-edged "slabs." Slabs have bark on one entire side. He was meaning the boards with bark only on the edges, technically known as "flitches," though we just called them boards. Good video and a subject next to my heart!
ReplyDeleteInteresting information, Gorges.
DeleteOut west, the old stamp mills were so loud that you were expected to go deaf in 6 months working there. Ouch!
Glad you gys like it - it must be something to see (and hear)! :o)
ReplyDelete