This image is part of the Thompson Family of Canaan Valley Collection. The Thompson family played a large role in the timber industry of Tucker Country during the 1800s, and later prospered in the region as farmers, business owners, and prominent members of the Canaan Valley community.George B. Thompson came to Tucker County as part of the Blackwater Boom and Lumber Company working as a secretary and timekeeper while his uncles, Frank and J. F. Thompson, were among the first stockholders of the company. Eventually he was made manager of the company until its close in 1924. He and the Thompson family remained active in the community.
This image is part of the Thompson Family of Canaan Valley Collection. The Thompson family played a large role in the timber industry of Tucker Country during the 1800s, and later prospered in the region as farmers, business owners, and prominent members of the Canaan Valley community.The Thompson family came to West Virginia and Tucker County in the late 1800's with the booming timber industry, taking advantage of Tucker County's forests. Albert Thompson of Philadelphia bought the J. L. Rumbarger Lumber Company which was the first lumber company in the area of Davis and Canaan Valley. He then established the Thompson Lumber Company, which later became the Blackwater Boom and Lumber Company. The mill contributed much to the economy and lumber boom of the 1900's, but closed down in 1924.
Dry Kiln Fire at Blackwater Lumber and Boom Company, Davis, W. Va.
Date:
ca. 1890
Description:
This image is part of the Thompson Family of Canaan Valley Collection. The Thompson family played a large role in the timber industry of Tucker County during the 1800s, and later prospered in the region as farmers, business owners, and prominent members of the Canaan Valley community.The Blackwater Boom and Lumber Company (also known as the Thompson Lumber Company) was started by Albert Thompson, who brought his family to Tucker County, West Virginia in the late 1800's to take advantage of Tucker County's forests.The company was bought by Babcock Lumber Company of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1907. The mill closed at Davis in 1924.
Portrait of Frank Williams, an Employee of the Blackwater Lumber Company in Davis, W. Va.
Date:
ca. 1880-1910
Description:
Williams was a circular saw filer at the lumber company starting in 1898.This image is part of the Thompson Family of Canaan Valley Collection. The Thompson family played a large role int he timber industry of Tucker County during the 1800s, and later prospered in the region as farmers, business owners, and prominent members of the Canaan Valley community.
Albert Thompson at his Desk, Likely in Tucker County, W. Va.
Date:
ca. 1890-1915
Description:
This image is part of the Thompson Family of Canaan Valley Collection. The Thompson family played a large role in the timber industry of Tucker County during the 1800s, and later prospered in the region as farmers, business owners, and prominent members of the Canaan Valley community.
This image is part of the Thompson Family of Canaan Valley Collection. The Thompson family played a large role in the timber industry of Tucker County during the 1800s, and later prospered in the region as farmers, business owners, and prominent members of the Canaan Valley community.The original company before it was bought by Babcock.
Albert Thompson at his Desk, Likely in Tucker County, W. Va
Date:
ca. 1890-1915
Description:
This image is part of the Thompson Family of Canaan Valley Collection. The Thompson family played a large role in the timber industry of Tucker County during the 1800s, and later prospered in the region as farmers, business owners, and prominent members of the Canaan Valley community.
Front of Thompson Lumber and Planing Mill, Likely Davis, W. Va
Date:
ca. 1880-1910
Description:
This image is part of the Thompson Family of Canaan Valley Collection. The Thompson family played a large role in the timber industry of Tucker County during the 1800s, and later prospered in the region as farmers, business owners, and prominent members of the Canaan Valley community.
Fire at Dry Kiln, Blackwater Boom and Lumber Co., Davis, W. Va
Date:
ca. 1890-1891
Description:
This image is part of the Thompson Family of Canaan Valley Collection. The Thompson family played a large role in the timber industry of Tucker County during the 1800s, and later prospered in the region as farmers, business owners, and prominent members of the Canaan Valley community.
Bandsaw in Winter, Blackwater Lumber Co., Davis, W. Va
Date:
ca. 1890-1915
Description:
A bandsaw used to saw Spruce and Hemlock, frozen during winter.This image is part of the Thompson Family of Canaan Valley Collection. The Thompson family played a large role in the timber industry of Tucker County during the 1800s, and later prospered in the region as farmers, business owners, and prominent members of the Canaan Valley community.
Thompson Lumber Mill, Blackwater Lumber Co., Davis, W. Va
Date:
ca. 1900
Description:
This image is part of the Thompson Family of Canaan Valley Collection. The Thompson family played a large role in the timber industry of Tucker County during the 1800s, and later prospered in the region as farmers, business owners, and prominent members of the Canaan Valley community.In the background, the stack belongs to the First Electric Plant in central W. Va. It was heated by coal boilers. The view shows the Thompson Lumber mill, later the Blackwater and Boom Lumber Company.
Winter Scene at Blackwater Boom and Lumber Company in Davis, W. Va.
Date:
ca. 1890-1915
Description:
The Blackwater Boom and Lumber Company ran until 1907, when Babcock Lumber and Boom Company from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania bought the mill.This image is part of the Thompson Family of Canaan Valley Collection. The Thompson family played a large role in the timber industry of Tucker County during the 1800s, and later prospered in the region as farmers, business owners, and prominent members of the Canaan Valley community.
