Forward Brothers Sawmill

Alfred T. and Frank Forward established the sawmill in 1908, and it was later moved from its original site, where the Mt. Lassen Vineyards are now. After Alfred died in 1931, Frank continued raising livestock while Alfred’s two sons, Lorin A. and Alva L., took over the mill and greatly expanded the operation, which remained Forward Brothers. The mill’s average daily output was 65,000 bf., and its one-day record was 88,000 bf. There were 65 families in the valley, which had its own schoolhouse with one teacher, Gertrude Forward, Frank’s wife. Lorin and Alva operated the mill continuously until March 26, 1958, when it burned down, and the burner and two ponds are what remain of the original sawmill.

California · United States