Wheeler, Almon

From Lane Co Oregon

In 1884 Byron Pengra sold the sawmill and millrace to Almon Wheeler, whose operation grew until the demand for finer grades of dressed lumber exceeded the capacity of the mill. Wheeler expanded the mill in 1891. It produced cut lumber of red and yellow fir, spruce, hemlock and cedar in all grades including the finest moldings and finished lumber. Despite his success, Wheeler sold the mill to a group of Portland speculators. In 1901 the mill was owned by a law firm from Portland, which leased the operation to H.A. Skeels and Company (Clarke 1983:44-46).