Posse takes look at early logging
<p><strong>Motichka Logging</strong>, Columbia Falls, circa 1900. (Photo courtesy of Northwest Montana Posse of Westerners)</p>
The Northwest Montana Posse of Westerners meets Monday, April 18, at the Red Lion Hotel Kalispell for a program on “Early Logging in the Flathead.”
By 1900 it was estimated that there were more than 40 lumber mills in operation in the Flathead.
Demand was high for lumber by the saw and planing mills for wood for housing and farm buildings, trading posts and general stores, mines and railroad construction.
Only a few primitive roads existed. In the spring and summer, the logs were floated down the steep terrain in flumes to the rivers and log drives corralled the timber on various lakes and ponds. Where water was not present and during the winter, logs where hauled by horses on sleds and wagons and later by heavy equipment to the local mills.
Expert foresters and historians consisting of Pete Larson of Kalispell and Posse members Ron Buentemeier of Columbia Falls and Darris Flanagan of Fortine will discuss the early days of logging in the Flathead.
The meeting will start with a grab and greet at 5:30 p.m. with book signings by local authors.
Dinner is at 6:15 p.m. Reservations are required by Thursday evening.
The cost is $19, which includes the presentation. The presentation is at 7 p.m. and is free for members, youths under 16 and nonmembers with dinner reservations. Nonmembers may attend at a cost of $5, which does not include the dinner.
For dinner reservations, call 406-407-6189 or email dcarson@flathead.mt.gov.
For further information, contact Ron at 756-8791 or email at ron.nmpw@gmx.com.