Rib Lake in Taylor County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Rib Lake Lumber Company
Photographed By Paul F, September 3, 2009
1. Rib Lake Lumber Company Marker
Inscription.
Rib Lake Lumber Company. . In 1882, speculator J.J. Kennedy constructed a small mill along the shores of Rib Lake, founding the Rib Lake Lumber Company. In spite of several mill fires, the company grew to produce over a billion board feet of lumber. At first dependent upon horse-drawn sleighs for hauling logs, the company developed into a large industrial complex when a railroad spur was constructed to connect Rib Lake to the Wisconsin Central Rail Road line. By the 1920s, the Rib Lake Lumbering Company included many specialized buildings and machinery, several lumber yards and an intricate tramway system and railroad servicing area. This area of Rib Lake was once known as the “hot pond,” where mill steam thawed frozen logs before the bull chain pulled them into the mill. Two buildings remain from the original complex: a machine shed and lumber drying kiln. After the area’s available timber was depleted, the mill closed in 1948, ending the era of huge logging operations in Wisconsin.
In 1882, speculator J.J. Kennedy constructed a small mill along the shores of Rib Lake, founding the Rib Lake Lumber Company. In spite of several mill fires, the company grew to produce over a billion board feet of lumber. At first dependent upon horse-drawn sleighs for hauling logs, the company developed into a large industrial complex when a railroad spur was constructed to connect Rib Lake to the Wisconsin Central Rail Road line. By the 1920s, the Rib Lake Lumbering Company included many specialized buildings and machinery, several lumber yards and an intricate tramway system and railroad servicing area. This area of Rib Lake was once known as the “hot pond,” where mill steam thawed frozen logs before the bull chain pulled them into the mill. Two buildings remain from the original complex: a machine shed and lumber drying kiln. After the area’s available timber was depleted, the mill closed in 1948, ending the era of huge logging operations in Wisconsin.
Erected 1997. (Marker Number 346.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1882.
Location. 45° 19.098′ N, 90° 12.096′
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W. Marker is in Rib Lake, Wisconsin, in Taylor County. Marker is on State Highway 102, on the right when traveling east. Marker is located in a small park and boat landing on the south (right) side of the road as you travel east through Rib Lake. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Rib Lake WI 54470, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on April 29, 2010, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 982 times since then and 46 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on April 29, 2010, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. 3, 4. submitted on September 27, 2011, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
