In 1917, the Snoqualmie Falls Lumber Co. began building houses for loggers and mill
workers in Snoqualmie. When complete a few years later as a Weyerhaeuser operation, 250 houses, a community hall,
schools, ball fields, a Post Office, a company store, barbershop, hospital, Japanese bunkhouses, hotel and
a railroad depot comprised the town of Snoqualmie Falls.
The current display completed by guest curator Don Fels highlights the Weyerhauser story
of attracting women and families to create a stable and comfortable base for the loggers and mill hands.
Of equal interest is the story of the role of Japanese loggers to supply labor during World War I.
Fifty years ago, the company sold the houses to the renting workers for hauling away. The other structures were pulled down and the
town completely disappeared.
The current display provides a very interesting view of the formation, duration, and ending of a company town which was a vital part of Snoqualmie Valley history.
Snoqualmie Valley Historical Museum PO Box 179 • North Bend, WA 98045
ph.425.888.3200 • e.