Stereoview – Mill of the Arizona Lumber and Timber Company, Flagstaff Arizona

Description

Unsigned stereoview depicting the operating mill at the Arizona Lumber and Timber Company in Flagstaff Arizona. The Arizona Lumber and Timber Company is one of Northern Arizona's largest and most notable industries which emerged from an enterprise whose history is the history of Flagstaff, and dates back to the year 1882. In that year Edward Ayer, of Chicago, began to build a mill there. The Ayer Lumber Company was soon formed. It was later sold to Mr. D. M. Riordan, who carried on the business under the title of The Arizona Lumber Company. In July, 1887, this mill in the wilderness was destroyed by fire, but the capital and enterprise behind the new management were soon manifested, order was evolved out of chaos, and a new and improved mill erected on the old site. The title of the company was then changed to The Arizona Lumber & Timber Company. Under the new conditions a decided increase of business resulted and their success was continuous until 1898, when another fire occasioned extremely heavy losses during their busiest season. Once again, however, negotiations were entered into for the rebuilding of the plant, the plans for the new one aiming to make it the finest sawmill in the West. It operated until around 1950. I believe this is the last plant in full operation. Numerous Santa Fe Railroad cars are visible in the image as well. Unsigned with faint text under the right image. Images are clear and sharp. Mild edge wear. Plain back. See the scans.