Lumber Xlonufocturers Nome

Film Stor George lllontgomery 'Woodmqster of the Yeor'

Screen Star George Montgomery has been named recipi- ent of the lumber industry's first annual "Woodmaster-of the Year" award, honoring public figures who demonstrate outstanding skill and interest in working with wood. Montgomery was chosen 1958 "Woodmaster of the Year,, because of his achievements as an architect, designer, furniture manufacturer and advanced do-it yourselier.

The first "'Woodmaster" award, a cloik fabricated of several different hardwood and softwood species, was piesented to actor Montgomery at the operiing of the four-day meeting of the Nationil Lumber 'Manu"facturers Association, May 25, in Santa Barbara, Calif. __Vgtgornery took time out from the filming of a new NBC-TV series, "Cimarron City," to attend iward ceremonies at the Santa Barbara Biltmore hotel before more than 2ffi of the nation's leading lumber manufacturers.

Married to TV Entertainer Dinah Shore, Montgomery 9S.g!S"94 *nd built their contemporary home in Eeverly Hills, Calif., and most of its furniture. This house and seven others on which Montgomery has been the architect-builder emphasize natural textures and make generous use of wood.

Stains and natural finishes the warmth and character of cabinets, Japanese-style wood features of the homes.

have been used to bring out the wood grain in paneling, partitions, doors and other

- Montgomery also designs Early American and modern furnitur-e produced ina factory he operates in the San Fernando Vallev.

_ llrese- pi9"9g ire hand-rubbed to produce a rich, glowing finish w_hich highlights the natural iolorings of the i'ood. -

- Floyd McGowin, president of the National Lumber Manufacturers Associition, explained that the new "Woodmaster" awards are intended to "focus attention on the more than 12 million Americans who find working with *qo_d I pleasant and profitable leisure-time activityl' natural creative ability is helpful but there are many books and pamphlets and newspaper features to serve as a guide.

McGowin added : "Americans are rediscovering- how to work with their hands. The do-it-yourselfer of-today is really a_reincarnation of the Ameriian pioneer who, with his hands and the resources of our foreits. transformed a wilderness into civilization.

"The modern counterpart of these early pioneers deserves equal recognition for his skill and ingenuity."

Since one of the great motivating forces in our lives are children, it might be a good idea to start by making something for your youngsters.

With wood and the simplest hand tools, you can make a toy airplane, or a broom horse, or a teeter-totter. No toy that you buy, no matter what the price, will give you as much satisfaction.

A more advanced project, one especially suitable for a family with several children, would be a table and chairs for the nursery. Examine one of the many sets of plans for such a project and you'll see how easy it is to make.

Other itemithat are simple to build inilude a knick-knack shelf and a foot stool.

One of the first things the do-it-yourselfer should build is a sturdy work bench. You can make the legs of 4x4's and the top of 2x6's, both available at any lumber yard. Most yards will even pre-cut the material to the lerigths you order.

The do-it-yourselfer with extra skill can go on to such ambitious projects as building his own furniture or converting his attic or basement info useful living space. Maybe you can add a whole new room or even help with the building of your next home.

If these seem like projects beyond your reach, think of the American pioneers who built their own homes with only logs and crude hand tools.

Good luck in whatever vou undertake.

(EDITOR'S

NOTE:

Film star George Montgomery is more than a movie hero. He is also a successful-archiiect, designer, furniture manufacturer and advanced do-it-your9etf9r. In recognition of Montgomery's talents in these fields, the National Lumber Manirfacturers Association has named him "Woodmaster of the Year." In the following signed article, Montgomery discusses some of the advan-tages of being a do-it-yourselfer and suggests specific projects for the students of this art. Dealerl are free to "plant" this article in their local newspapers.)

fhe Rewords of Being A Do-lf-Yourselfer

By George Montgomery

The19 is no greater satisfaction for me than creating something with my hands. I have felt that way ever since I cut out paper replicas of animals and birds when I was four vears old.

I gtigsg I could have predicted the current do-it-yourself trend if_I had-just looked inwardly. There are many projects I like to do myself, and I know there must be mitiions of men, as well as women and children, who feel as I do.

Being a do-it-yourselfer requires no special talent. A

Finol Awqrd of Alosko fimber Sole Postponed

The Georgia-Pacific Alaska Company has been given another three years to qualify for final award of a timber sale contract involving 7.5 billion board feet of timber in Alaska, the Lr. S. Department of Agriculture announced June 30. P_reliminary award of the timber, located in the Tongass National Forest in southeast Alaska near Juneau, was given to 1!e- company three years ago. The company. will have until July-I, 1961, to study plans further for utilizing the timber.. If it_qualifies for final award, the company may enter into a SO-year timber sale contract with the Forejt Service. In this case a plant will be constructed in Alaska by July l, 796/.

Big L.A. Urbqn Renewql Plqn

Los Angeles Mayor Poulson earlier this month was presented an urban renewal plan for 900 acres bounded by Washing-ton boulevard, Alameda street, the P. E. right-ofway, Jefferson boulevard and Main street, in which 24,000 persons live. If the city approves rehabilitation of the district, the FHA would insure mortgages for new construction and rebuilding of old dwellings in the area.