New England sawmillers in Scotland – Sawmill site possibly in Strathcarron
The images are courtesy of Rene Knott and Kyle of Sutherland Historical Society. However the writer is uncertain of how the photographs known as the Culeve (Location in Strathcarron) collection were formed and who initially collected them. A similar collection is in the care of the Jenks Library in Acton Massachusetts gifted by Webster Blanchard who was the foreman of New England Mill No 3 team. It is assumed that one of the Americans or more had cameras, took a selection of photographs which were passed to various team members. A local Scottish photographer or press reporter should perhaps not be ruled out as there would have been a ready market for photographs among the New England teams. Any further information on the photographs would be very welcome. Locations are within five miles of Ardgay, Ross-shire.
This mill looks very similar to that in the last image but there are differences in the housing structure and layout. No doubt original shelter structures were changed as the winter approached or need to be modified for better working. Next to camera are sawn batons that may be 6 x 2 inches where as on the wagon are light batons with waney edges that were sent direct to munitions factories etc where they were re-sawn to specific requirements.
The large flywheel of the steam engine is seen in the back ground. Can anyone confirm if this was also the drive pulley on which the drive belts ran? The saw blade is hidden by the roller bench with its selection of timber dogs and adjusting mechanisms to move the log being cut closer to the saw with every pass.
Note a framed notice board on the internal wall.
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Groups: American sawmillers in Scotland 1917, Buildings in Forests, Forestry Areas, Sawmills, pulp mills, chipboard mills