Virtual Exhibits
Standing in Their Shoes, a story of growth and change at the Powell River Pulp and Paper Mill
In 1908, Brooks and Scanlon, lumbermen from Minnesota, realized the power generation potential of the 188 foot waterfall which fell from Powell Lake and decided to build and operate the first pulp and paper mill on the west coast of Canada. They incorporated the Powell River Paper Company in 1909; the mill was constructed and operations began. In 1912 the first roll of saleable newsprint was produced.
"The Company" as it was known locally constructed all the amenities needed to attract and retain workers and their families including housing, a shopping facility, school hospital, and social and recreational facilities. The international face of the workers comprised a United Nations of employees, each one leaving their mark on the town. Log sorters, lumber graders, sawyers and filers, jigger man, stone sharpener, cook, acid maker, blow pit operator and a myriad of other skills including tinsmith, blacksmith, pattern maker, and bricklayer skills were honed and sharpened to make top quality paper and newsprint.
In 1908, Brooks and Scanlon, lumbermen from Minnesota, realized the power generation potential of the 188 foot waterfall which fell from Powell Lake and decided to build and operate the first pulp and paper mill on the west coast of Canada. They incorporated the Powell River Paper Company in 1909; the mill was constructed and operations began. In 1912 the first roll of saleable newsprint was produced.
"The Company" as it was known locally constructed all the amenities needed to attract and retain workers and their families including housing, a shopping facility, school hospital, and social and recreational facilities. The international face of the workers comprised a United Nations of employees, each one leaving their mark on the town. Log sorters, lumber graders, sawyers and filers, jigger man, stone sharpener, cook, acid maker, blow pit operator and a myriad of other skills including tinsmith, blacksmith, pattern maker, and bricklayer skills were honed and sharpened to make top quality paper and newsprint.
