Memphis club works hard for hardwood

IJARDWOOD and Memphis are floften synonymous, in part because of the Lumbermen's Club of Memphis. Organized in 1898, the group has been a guiding influence in establishing Memphis as The Hardwood Capital of the World.

The club was launched when 12 men in the Memphis lumber industry recognized that the business had attained sufficient importance to warrant an organization of local lumbermen. In the 1890s Memphis began to feel the impact of a new Southern industry, hardwood lumbering. Sawmill operators from northern and midwestern states saw the area as a new frontier as their forest resources dwindled. It was in this atmosphere that the Lumbermen's Club of Memphis was born, according to an organization spokesman.

In the early days the club was instrumental in bringing railroads into the city where only logging roads existed and the area grew to become an

Story at a Glance

Longtime industry organization losters hardwood devel. opment supports related activities . . . develops camaraderie and fellowship among hardwood lumbermen to fur. ther business aims.

important link between Northern industry and Southern raw materials. Since that time the club has been active in promoting and bettering the hardwood industry. Today they point with pride to 60,000 people engaged in the lumber industry in the tri-state area with payrolls estimated at approximately $345 million; to hardwood related industries such as the Aeolian Co., which produces player pianos, and Seagram's Cooperage, producer of barrels used in aging Seagram's whiskies; the National Hardwood Lumber Association; the National Hardwood Inspection School, and the myriads of hardwood flooring manufacturers which make the city the Hardwood Flooring Capital.

In the beginning the Lumbermen's

Club of Memphis was the clearing house for the problems of the hardwood industry. One of the most pressing problems was the transportation of logs and lumber. Freight rates, transit privileges and other phases of railway traffic were vitally important. On occasions, the club engaged legal counsel to bring about establishment of equitable tariffs. Friendly relations with railroad officials were always maintained. Old timers recall that on one occasion the club arranged a "Harmony Meeting" which was attended by presidents of all the railroads serving Memphis. These activities eventually led to the organization of the Southern Hardwood Traf f ic Association.

As the years passed, the club stretched out its membership to softwood manufacturers as well as wholesale and retail dealers. Membership now exceeds 300 with members in 17 states and Canada. Other areas have patterned clubs after this oldest and largest hardwood organization, but the influence has not stopped there.

Since I 906 the club has pr ovided22 presidents for the Southern Hardwood Traffic Association; 9 presidents for the Southern Hardwood Lumber Manufacturers Association; 7 presidents for the National Oak Flooring Manufacturers Association; 3 presidents for the National Lumber Exporters Association; 5 presidents for the National Hardwood Lumber Association; 3 presidents for the National Hardwood Plywood Manufacturers Association; 7 presidents for South Central Hardwood Club; 3 presidents for Tennessee Building Material Association; and 3 presidents for the International Hardwood Products Association.

Members of the club also have headed the Forest Products Research Society, National Hardwood PIYwood Association; Tennessee Forest Dimension, the Westside Hardwood Club, Southwest Hardwood Club and the International Order of HooHoo, a fraternal group.

Each year the Lumbermen's Club of Memphis promotes Wood Products Week to carry the message to

Special lssue: Hardwood

the public of the importance of the lumber industry to the lifestyles and economy of the area. This year it will be observed Oct.24-30.

Events will include the Loggers Breakfast where the Lumberman of the Year is announced, a luncheon for women and the Wood ChoPPers

(Please turn to page 31 )