The story of Portland’s most remarkable wooden structure stands as a testament to both architectural ambition and tragic loss. This magnificent building, once celebrated as one of the world’s largest log cabins, left an indelible mark on the city’s history before meeting its fiery end.
A Monumental Beginning
When the 1905 Lewis and Clark Centennial Exposition opened its doors in Portland, Oregon, visitors were struck by an architectural marvel unlike anything they had seen before. The Forestry Building, designed by the celebrated architect Ion Lewis of Whidden and Lewis, with contributions from Albert E. Doyle, emerged as a proud symbol of the Pacific Northwest’s rich forestry heritage.
A Cathedral of Timber
The structure’s dimensions were staggering: 206 feet in length, 102 feet in width, and an imposing height of 72 feet – equivalent to a modern seven-story building. Its construction demanded an astounding million board feet of lumber, but its most impressive feature was the interior colonnade. Fifty-four massive Douglas Fir trunks, each measuring six feet in diameter, stood as silent sentinels. These ancient giants were personally selected by lumber baron Simon Benson from Columbia County’s old-growth forests.
From Glory to Guardian
After the Exposition concluded, the City of Portland recognized the building’s significance and purchased it for preservation. The Forestry Building transformed into a beloved landmark, housing extensive exhibits showcasing the region’s forestry industry, diverse wildlife, and Native American cultural artifacts.
A History of Close Calls
The building’s journey through time was marked by several near-disasters. In 1914, it barely escaped destruction when fire consumed a neighboring structure. The 1920s brought debates about its demolition, while another fire threatened in the 1940s. Despite these challenges, preservation efforts in the 1950s breathed new life into the aging landmark.
The Final Chapter
On the evening of August 17, 1964, fate dealt its final hand. Just 45 minutes after the caretaker’s departure, the unthinkable happened. Faulty vintage electrical wiring sparked a catastrophic fire that rapidly consumed the entire structure. Portland residents gathered in shocked silence as flames devoured this iconic piece of their city’s heritage.
An Enduring Memory
The fire not only destroyed the magnificent building but also claimed countless irreplaceable artifacts and exhibits within. Today, the Great Forestry Building lives on only in vintage photographs and cherished memories, a poignant reminder of one of the most remarkable wooden structures ever created in American history.
