Timber industry, sawmill tour scheduled

Area residents can travel back in time Thursday, April 17, to explore life in the early East Texas sawmill towns and camps. The trip begins at the Texas Forestry Museum in Lufkin, led by retired forester and history buff John Courtenay and Museum Education Coordinator David Young. From the museum the tour goes to historic sawmill sites, sawmill towns, and logging fronts throughout East Texas. The group will also be able to tour an operational sawmill.

Locations to be visited will include Long Bell Lumber Co. at Lufkin, Angelina County Lumber Co., CalTex Lumber Co., Bill Session's Mill, Rube Session's Mill, Chronister Lumber Co. and the Central Coal & Coke Co. Mill in Ratcliff.

The tour begins at the Texas Forestry Museum at 9 a.m. Vans will return to the Museum by 5 p.m. Walking over uneven terrain is necessary. Field clothing and appropriate shoes are required. Tour members should take a lunch; drinks will be provided. This historic tour costs $25. Registration is limited, and pre-registration is necessary.

The Texas Forestry Museum, a private non- profit organization, is at 1905 Atkinson Drive in Lufkin. We are open from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 1- 5 p.m. Sunday, except major holidays. For more information on the Texas Forestry Museum and its scheduled events, call 936-632- 9535.