A Growing and Evolving Industry on the Riverbanks
Introduction
Text-to-speech Audio
An Indian hardwood manufacturer, J.L. Rumbarger, began buying large tracts near Davis, and in 1886, opened a sawmill to cut cherry and other hardwoods into lumber. The mill quickly grew, and changed ownership several times, but during its 38 years of operation, it was a main employer in Davis. The bark of abundant nearby hemlock trees provided tannins, chemicals used in leather processing.
Images
Historical sign about the origins of the timber industry
