The Low-Down on Shakes

Bv H. V. Moson Fisk a Mason, South Posodena

The manufacture and distribution of Red Cedar shakes is not quite as simple an operation as it seems at first glance. It is undoubtedly true that there are always a few so-called Hill-Billies or woodsmen who will split out shakes; but only when the spirit moves them, and not until. So-right here at the source-the splitters furnish the first problem.

After some fourteen years of dealing with this class of labor, we have come to the conclusion' and a very definite one-that the ability to deliver when wanted and in sufficient qdantities is the real essence of the shake industry. Youcan count your Cedar Shakes when, as, and if, they are actually in your shed, and not until.

fn our operations on the Olympic Peninsula throughout a distance of some fifty miles, there are many entire families living ofi their production of Cedar slabs. The whole family in many instances, takes part in the work. The log is snaked in from the woods to a spot up near the house where Pa, Ma and all the kids start splitting, trimming, and piling slabs.

When the tree is worked into as many'one-in'ch boards, or slabs, as possible, all of which must be 26 inches long, 6 inches to 10 inches wide, and at least one inch thick, they are then brought to the mill where the family is paid ofi-on the spot. In most cases, however, crews of two to four men go out in the woods and work for weeks before anything is heard from them. They usually aocumulate several thousand slabs before bringing them in and it is from such crews as these that the real dependable source of raw material is obtained.

The sawing of the slabs into tapered shakes is done in the mill by expert sarvyers who inspect each slab before it is

Back On Job

H. D. (Doug) Cook, Western Door & Sash Co., Oakland, was back at his desk June D from a two week's vacation. He spent the first week at San Diego, where he visited the Fair, and the second at Carmel improving his golf game.

There Is Profit For You

IN ANGIER BUILDING PAPERS

A REALLY COMPLETE LINE

FR.M ""Y3tB"tttflf;"rNFoRcBD pApER

Including BROWNSKIN the Sheathing Paper with a Factor of Safety-It Stretches.

SHEATHING PAPERs-Plain-Treated-Reinf orced

CONCRETE CURING AND PROTECTION PAPERS

Reinforced With Cords and Burlap sawn so as to get the smooth end at the tip and the rough end at the butt. This is quite important if the rough texture efiect is actually obtained at the butt end while the tip remains comparatively smooth to aid in making the final roof a watertight job.

The resawing of the slabs is protected by patents, under which only a few licensees are operating. So for this reason a few mills are now turning out a double-split shake to avoid the resawing. Originally we did the resawing down here from the slabs shipped in to us, but the pile of junk and firewood left over at the 6nish of a car load of slabs was big enough to start several small wood yards. ' ds it is today, we can select our slabs at the m'ill door, eliminating those which would not take the resaw, and thus cut down to a minimum the fall-down.

The most radical change made in shakes recently is the new grading rule of 100 per cent vertical grain. The general idea prevails that only vertical grain slabs can be spl'it from the block. This is decidedly in error. The splitters can actually get more slabs from a block if allowed to include some slash grain. But with us, they are definitely out, for good and sufficient reasons known too well to the trade to go into at length.

We are at present offering to the trade three difierent dimensions in resawn shakes, all of which are 100 per cent vertical grain and 100 per cent clear. Nearly every day the phone will ring with some one on the other end asking about still a different one-thinner, thicker, shorter, or longer. 'We sin'cerely believe that with our present assortment the builder can obtain any roof effect desired by choosing one of the stock sizes now carried both at the Harbor and our South Pasadena yard.

S. F. HARDWOOD YARD ENLARGED

Forsyth Hardwood Company, San Francisco, recently took over property adjoining their yard at 355 Bayshore Boulevard, and installed two additional 300-foot gangways to accommodate in'creased stocks on hardwoods.

TRADE.MARKED . SELECTED FIRM TEXTUNBD

$500 Cash Pilzes for Local Home Designs

What is the best-most practical, most livable-house which can be built in Northern California at a cost of $5000 or less?

Seeking answer to this question, the district office of the Federal Housing Administration recently announced a "California Homes $500 Cash Prize Competition" in which local architects, draftsmen, builders and other home planners are invited to participate.

The purpose of the competition is to determine the popular trend in small homes construction and to picture types and costs of houses now being built here in the lower price levels.

Business and industrial institutions interested in home building are said to have contributed $500 to be awarded in prizes.

A prize of $250 will be awarded for the winning house costing $3000 or less. A similar amount will go to the designer of the winning house which can be built at a cost of $3000 to $5000.

Either photographs of houses already constructed, or drawings of houses contemplated, may be submitted, together with floor plans and a data sheet giving details of construction. The contest closes July 15.

Data sheets, with complete information and instructions, may be obtained from C. A. West, assistant to the director, Federal Housing Administration, 433 California street, San Francisco.

Final awards will be made by a committee of ten, composed of prominent architects, builders, housewives, educators and others. Mr. West said: "The winning houses will be selected for their livability, practicability, sensibility of design, and full values in a home for the purchaser."

Sells Interest In Company

J. H. Cresmer, who founded the Cresmer Manufacturing Co. of Riverside in 1905, has disposed of his entire interest in the business to J. Wesley Shrimp and H. G. Wilson, for many years officials of the concern, who will continue the manufacture of doors, sash and millwork. Mr. Cresmer will devote his attention to building contracting and appraisal, having associated with him Erick W. Emtman, registered civil engineer, superintendent of construction for thi Cresmer Manufacturing Co. since 1927, under the firm name. Cresmer & Emtman.

E. TY. HEMilINGS

311 Financial Centet Bldg. 704 Sotrth Sptiog St., Los Angeles Telephone TRinity 9821

Representing in Southern California

SWAYNE LUMBER CO.

Oroville, Calif.

FEATHER RIVER LUMBER CO.

Delleker, Cilif.

KESTERSON LUMBER CORPORATION

Klamatft Falls, Ore.

SUcAn and PONIDEROSA PINE