Franklin County Louisiana Archives News.....Washington Turns Trees Into Profit April 2, 1975
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Cornelia Berry dale@Franklinparishlibrary.org January 24, 2024, 3:58 pm

The Franklin Sun April 2, 1975
  Situated in Crowville is a thriving little saw mill belonging to George T.
Washington. As 
you drive down the country road leading to the mill, you ae reminded of scenes from
the 
popular television show "The Waltons."
  Washington hadn't been a mill operator all of his life, but when he and his
brothers 
settled near the Hill Ridge Community his foresight started what is now a successful
business 
venture.
   The land where the mill and family's brick home is located was in woods at first
Washington and his brothers had to cut timber from the land in order to use it for
crops and 
to put their homes on it.
    Instead of wasting the timber from the 120 acres of land Washington had a better
idea. 
Why not use the timber by turning it into planks which could be sold?
    In 1943 the mill was purchased from Barney Earl, a Crowville resident. Since
Washington 
had no experience in working a mill. Earl taught him the ropes of the trade.
    The mill was bought on credit for the price of $700. Washington ran the mill on
and old 
car motor.
    Business started picking up and has progressed ever since. "We can hardly keep
enough 
lumber for different ones who wants to buy it." said Washington who is now 68 years
old.
    The normal work crew for the saw mill is about six men. The mill is in operation
year 
round.
    Washington's brothers now make their living in farming but Washington has
depended solely 
on the mill to provide for his family.
    The majority of his business comes from local patrons, but there have been times
when 
people from cities far away as New Orleans have ordered lumber cut a the mill. In
fact 
Washington said the largest order he could remember was the New Orleans order which
totaled 
almost $4000.
     Most of the lumber used by Washington is purchased from people in neighboring 
communities. Washington and his crew cut and haul the timber for themselves.
     Washington is proud to say his idea has worked. "I don't believe I could have
done any 
better." he said.

Additional Comments:
By Marcy McCoy
Sun Staff Writer

File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/la/franklin/newspapers/washingt21nnw.txt

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