T he MILL CITY
ENTERPRISE
ELKHORN
G ATES
IDANHA
LYONS
MEHAM \
MONGOL!»
THE STRONGEST BOND
OF HUMAN SYMPATHY,
OUTSIDE OF THE FAM-
ILY RELATION, SHOULD
HE ONE UNITING ALI
WORKING PEOPLE, OE
ALL NATIONS, AND
TONGUES, AND
KINDREDS.”
Rain Storm Tames
Wild Canyon Fire
Hot, Dry Winds
Pose New Threat
— Abraham Lincoln, in a letter to New-
York Workmen’s Ass’n. in 1864.
intimate View
Of Fire Given
By JEAN ROBERTS
Smoke hangs low over this com
munity, from the Sardine creek fire
which started a week ago. The cause
of the fire is still a matter of con-
.ecture.
First it was reported as originating
in the Lee Logging. Many thought a
wire on a donkey could have shorted
and caused the flame. One eye wit
ness, however, reported seeing the
conflagration well under way and
outside the landing where donkeys
are situated.
The intensity of the heat was de
scribed with awe by the first individ
uals on the fire line in the Sardine
creek canyon. A mechanic for the
Vancouver Plywood company stated
that he saw hemlocks, two feet in
diameter, snapped off like twigs when
struck by the roaring tide of searing
flames.
It is reported that nine million feet
< f timber lay felled and bucked in the
steep canyon. The logs almost con
stituted a cold deck which burned
with seething fury. There will be
very little timber salvage in this
location, many loggers state.
The Sardine creek fire swept
through the landing and completely
destroyed a new yarder valued at
$60.000. A "loading pot" nearby,
loaded with five barrels of gasoline,
had only the tops blown from the
drums.
A fire pump set in Sardine creek
was abandoned the first night. As
the heat became more intense and
threatening the fire crew left the
pump while it was still running and
Tan for safety. They climbed into
a pickup and sped away from the
danger zone through smoke and
ashes down the narrow roadway.
Luckily no fallen snags or rocks
blocked their way.
Crews are still being dispatched to
the fire area. They work a 12-hour
shift. Loggers and timber fallers
are needed for falling snags which will
burn and scatter sparks for weeks
after the main fire has passed. Mill
owners have also sent men by rotat
ing their working shifts. Man power
also has been recruited as far away
as the coast.
State forestry headquarters were
set up at Little Sweden and men check
in and out each day. Men bring
lunches and eat at 10 a m. The forest
service distributes another lunch at
2 p.m.
“Cats" dot the hillsides as they
punch roads into terrain so rough
that perhaps only a few yards of
road is built each day.
Fire trucks loaded with water toil
up and down the tortuously steep
roads. Fire fighters have practically i
quenched the west end of the fire on 1
the Marion county side.
Mr. and Mrs. Ercill Wilson and
Reems Shehee who returned in trucks
from eastern Oregon, reported a
narrow escape from the fire near the
Detroit dam. Disregarding highway
warning notices they started driving
(Continued on Page 4)
Coming Events . . .
MONDAY—
American Legion Auxiliary 3d Mon.
Lions club meeting.
A F. A A M. No. 180 stated meet
ing third Monday.
O.E.S. meeting, 2d Monday month.
TUESDAY—
Boy Scout« at City park, 7 p.m.
Chamber of Commerce 2 & 4 neon
luncheon.
Lions Auxiliary 4th Tuesday
Women's club 8 p.m. 1st, 3rd Tues
129-J School Board meeting 2d Tues
WEDNESDAY—
Santiam Eagles and auxiliary 8 p.m.
at Mill City fire hall.
Santiam Rebekah 16ft—1st and 3rd
Wed. at 8 p.m.
City council first Wed. 7:30 p.m.
THURSDAY—
Theta Rho Club for Girls, meets 2d
and 4th Thursdays.
Gates PT A 1st Thursday 8 p.m.
American Legion 2d and 4th Thurs
Garden club fourth Thursday.
Firemen Auxiliary meets 3d Thurs.
FRIO 1Y—
tO O F. meeting
Mill City TWA meeting last Friday
Farmers Union meeting at Mehama
Woman's club, 2nd
First, light moisture in the form of mist from overcast
skies filtered down. Monday night, then, seemingly en
couraged with result, the clouds rumbled ominously and
released a steady patter of rain early Tuesday over
thirsty forest lands in the North Santiam canyon and the
entire Willamette valley as well. The climax of the rain
storm came. Wednesday morning when storm clouds spat
claps of thunder and lightning and splattered large rain
drops in rushing torrents upon our fire stricken canyon.
With the coming of the precious rain, the arduous
work of more than 1006 fire fighters bore fruit. Fire
trails presented stout barriers to the relentless advance
of the Sardine creek fire on all fronts. Federal and state
foresters caution, however, that should hot, dry weather
and high winds resume their rule in the northwest then
the Sardine creek fire reasonably could threaten again*
on a large scale forest lands and nearby canyon com
munities.
Rain Cools and Washes Air
Visible effect of some .51 of an inch of rain is the
absence of wood smoke and ashes in the atmosphere
In their place there are filmy whisps of fog and a cleau.
fresh smell.
The canyon route is open again, bat
travelers will note a new hard surface has been applied
between the sites of Detroit and Big Cliff dams. Those
who fled the Detroit area during the height of the
Sardine creek fire have in large measure returned
Some 100 fire fighters are busy scooping out fire trails
and felling snags which are potential torches.
State
authorities have lifted the ban against all logging and
have re-instated the rule of no logging if the humidity
reading falls below 30.
Sardine creek fire blackened some 0,000 acres of forest
land during its onslaught. Some 1,200 men were battling
the fire without too much success when it was at it»
peak. Last Thursday night the Sardine creek fire dis
played unusual viciousness by skipping across the North
Santiam highway and river into Linn county. Fortun
ately the angry blaze did not consume 9,000 acres of saw
timber, but instead swept through large areas of com
parative waste.
Sunday Wax Worst Day of Fire
Sunday was the most discouraging day of the Sardin*■
creek fire.
Haggard and serious faced fire fighters
shuttled back and forth from the fire lines for foorf.
supplies and a hit of needed rest. No one expre-sewi
the hope that the fire could be corralled by human effort
alone. Everyone felt only rain could tame the Sardine
creek fire. Observation from the air was thwarted by
the dense smoke that boiled up and choked the atmos
phere above the blazing timberlands. All too often fire
fighters recounted seeing and hearing the fire roar up
first one ravine and then down another like an enraged
(JAtß5
J w
wild animal.
h-
to
All forms of transportation were used in the fire
fighting effort. A ’copter was used for observation of
the course of the fire and for emergency supply work
Pack trains were loaded heavily with supplies and sent
trudging into the rough and rugged forest area where
the fire raged. Jeeps and trucks of many types, loaded
with men and supplies, braved the few so-called roads
leading to the various sectors of the sprawling fire. One
such jeep failed in its duty and killed one fire fighter.
Winds Whipped Flames About
/ Z
One of the greatest difficulties encountered in battling
the canyon fire was its habit of taking to the tree top»
Detroit
= I Mile
Winds, whipped by the heat of the fire itself, carried
Pd.tn
embers from tree to tree. Snags, full of explosive pitch,
burst into massive torches that led the fire on and on.
Included in the fire area was timber sold by the state
to Vancouver Plywood company for $465,000.
Marion county’s civil defense teams were put to the
The photo above records a scene similar to that which set the dam is located a quarter of a mile from this site of destruction.
test Thursday night when a call for help came in from
stage for the road and river crossing of the Sardine creek fire« The shaded portion of a sketch of the Sardine creek area re
the Detroit area. The civil defense units and equipment
produced below renresents approximately the locale and size
last Thursday night. Downstream from this Whitman creek
remained in the Detroit area until the tense situation
scene hot ashes and fiery splinters sailed through the air and of the fire, Friday, August 24. From this relatively modest
eased because of the rain storm.
ignited patches of timber on the south bank of the North San area, the blaze quickly spread itself over an estimated 9,(M»(l-acre
Senator Wayne Morse of Oregon has asked President
area.
(Photo and sketch courtesy of The Statesman)
tiam river. The Corps of Engineer's headquarters for Detroit
Truman for emergency aid for Oregon
because of the destruction visited
upon it in recent weeks by this and
dozens of other very serious forest
fires. Home 53 «lays of drouth pro
duced acute water shortage problems
in many areas of the state. Power
Juxt as The Enterprise wax going generation, no doubt, will be curtailed
Those who live in the Marion Forks
Mr. and Mrs. Wallace Hoeye were
area are rugged stock and take their
M 11 City high school plays an im honored at a golden wedding tea, to press it wax learned that Kelly because of the drouth. Bonneville ad
politics straight, but it does irk them pressive eight-game schedule for 1951. Wednesday afternoon during the Mill Lumber softball team lost both of its ministration has already issued warn
somewhat that they must travel Four game: will be at home and two City Garden club annua) flower show games in Corvallis tonight. Kelly’s ings regarding the impending short
oftentime 20 to 30 miles to the pollirg of these home games will be league in the Presbyterian church recreation lost to Hermixton 2-1. Corvallis de age.
places near Gates, Some 51 of these games, according to Burton Boroughs, room, "Golden Wedding” was the feated Kelly’s in their second game,
Observers tonight point out that the
good citizens have petitioned the athletic coach.
Sardine creek fire near Big Cliff dam
theme for the flower show. Mrs. 3-2. Eugene won the tournament.
Linn County court for a more conven-
Mill City high has the nucleus for Hoeye is the only garden club mem-
Through two convincing victories, is still far from being out. Tongue»
ient voting place.
a good team since, 14 lettermen are ber who has celebrated this fifty year the Kelly Lumber softball team has of flame lick at trees and brush in
The signers of the precinct-changf* returning. The lettermen are: ends— event.
advanced to the semi-finals of the the area located between Detroit and
petition all live in the very large pre Delmar Skillings, Dick Downer, Bob
One corner of the Presbyterian re Oregon state softball tournament. In Big Cliff dams on the south bank of
cinct of Rock Creek and must vote in Baltimore, and Richard V^rbeck; creation hall was given over to the
the first game, the local team edged the river.
the Gates school house.
tackles Dick Williams and Gary tea service. The tea table was nicely Redmond four to three with Ron
Because of the increase in popula Peterson; guard—Vernon Christen decorated with a lace cloth and golden
Davidson on the mound. Bud Shaw
tion in the upper North Santiam <an- sen; center Dennis Marttala; and ba< k- tapers. Mrs. I,«*e Owen was in charge
twirled Kelly’s to a five to one vic
yon area, particularly in the Detroit field Phillip Goble, Alfred Ward, if this committee and Mrs. Jennie
tory over Grants Pass.
and Idanha communities the import
I.vle Fleetwood, LeRoy Podrabsky, Davis, Mrs. Fred Duffy, and Mrs. C.
Tonight's games, which were at
ance of a centralized polling place is
M. Cline, in their long dresses in the first scheduled for play at Eugene,
Bill Hoffman, and Dick Kanoff.
increased,
Vern Nydegger of Lyons was hos
The first game of the season is styles of long ago, presided. The later were switched to the Corvallis
The Linn Co. court has taken the
golden wedding cake was made by .city softball field.
The first game pitalized, Tuesday with severe lacer
with
Lebanon
’
s
“
B
”
squad,
Thursday
petition of the Rock Creek voters
night, September 20, in Mill City. Mrs. James Swan and was beautifully 1 began at 6:30 and pitted Kelly’s ations of his leg He sustained the
under advisement.
With a lighted athletic field an added decorated by Mrs. Ernest Podrabsky, I against Bowers Market of Hermiston, injury during a freak accident. Ny
feature this year it is hoped that The cake was cut and served by Mrs. j The second of Thursday night’s games degger wax driving a "cat” leveling
■ matched Coppings Big Bucks of some ground for a piling yard for
capacity crowds will turn out for all Swan.
home games Game time will be 8
Regardless of the long dry summer 1 Eugene and Wilson Motors of Cor Art Andersen at Fox Valley when
Season weather there were many lovely vallis, followed by a playoff game he unearthed a yellow jacket nest. In
A SON — To Mr. and Mr«. Frank p m. for all home game«.
flowers, arrangements and potted I for third place by the two losers and, jumping from the "cat” he caught his
Klecker, Mill City, August 30, at tickets will be honored.
Boroughs announced that the first plants for Mill City’s flower show. I finally, the winners of the first two pants leg in the drive of the machine.
neral hospital.
A DAUGHTER—To Mr. and Mrs. football practice schedule is Tuesday Mrs. Byron Bradshaw, Albany direc- I games playing off for the champion Andersen went to his aid but both
men were badly stung. They wen-
Robert De Clue, Lyons, Route 1, Aug af’emoon, 4 p m., September 4 Foot tor of the Santiam district of feder- ship.
ball equipment will be issued at 10 ated garden clubs, and Mrs. Ward j Saturday the champions will repre taken to the Salem Memorial hospital
ust 29, at Salem Memorial hospital.
A SON—To Mr. and Mrs. Stafford, a.m Tuesday al«o. Footballers can Inglis, Stayton garden club president, sent Oregon in the Northwest region by ambulance. Andersen was severe
Ga’» August 24, at Salem Memorial purchase all needed accessories. such judged the Mill City exhibits and a- al softball tournament slated in Port ly stung about the face, neck, and
shoulders. He was released from the-
a* «hoes, socks and supporters, at the warded the tri-eolors to Mrs. "Pink” land.
hospital.
Kelly’s have insured Mill City 4th hospital that evening after treatment.
To Mr. and Mr«. Jackie Santiam War Surplus store in Mill Mason for her beautiful all-white
These place in the state softball tourney, Nydegger remains in the hospital and
arrangement of dahlias.
Enlow, Mill City, August 24, at Salem City.
possibility will need plastic surgery
• Continued on Page 8)
• Continued on Page 8)
even if they do not win tonight.
General hospital.
Scene of Spreading Forest Fire in Santiam Canyon
/Marion
Linn
County
County
I
L
Rock Creek Voters
Air Precinct W sh
Mill City Team
Starts Football
Hoeyes Honored By Kelly s Hold Pat
Golden Wedding Tea In State Softball
Yellow Jackets Cause
Freakish 'Cat’ Accident
Just Arrived