C. D. Danaher Mill / Dickman Mill (1899-1977)

The present day Dickman Mill park was so named as a tribute to the last lumber mill to operate on Old Town’s waterfront. However, this site is most notable as there were numerous owners, names and transitions; also, the mill complex went in and out of receivership in the early days.

Mills occupied "The Dickman Site" longer than any other along the waterfront—88 years. It all started in 1889 with the Abraham C. Young Shingle Mill. Mr. A. C. Young (and partners Theo. Cushing and Frank Scammell) increased lumber production the following year. At the height of the 1890s depression, the mill went into receivership. In 1896, Ben Mudgett leased the mill for one year; then (with backing by A. C. Young) the Carlson Bros. (David and Olof) took over; they added a shingle mill to the east. In 1903, E. Arthur Shores became a partner, and the mill complex became West Coast Lumber Co. In 1904, Shores bought out all of his partners.

Between 1904-06, E. Arthur Shores enlarged his mill and added a waste burner. In late 1906 the mill was purchased by Mr. C. D. Danaher. By now, the mill occupied most of the shore between White & Pine Streets. It was again improved upon and became Danaher Lumber Co. Within a few years, the first electric crane was installed. The mill flourished until Danaher’s death in 1921.

The mill was then purchased by its manager, Ralph Dickman, and re-vamped. By 1922, it was Dickman Lumber Co. It was later taken over by Dickman’s son Ralph “Bud” Dickman. The mill was finally forced to close in 1977, due to competition and supply/demand for logs. It was the end of an era—which started in 1869, and was plagued with everything from fire to fiasco. The Danaher/Dickman Mill had made it through without burning down; but in January 1979 a mysterious fire started in the abandoned mill, and it didn’t make it after all. The dock was empty of lumber (fortunately) but the entire mill itself was totally destroyed. The mill’s headsaw and carriage were salvaged from the ruins—to be restored and eventually be placed on display on the original site.

Nerheim, J. N.. The History of Lumber Mills in Old Town. Tacoma, WA. Self-published, 2004.