This picture looks like a mill that was built yesterday, but the Elbe Lumber and Shingle Mill was built back in 1904 when the Tacoma Eastern Railroad made it all the way up to Elbe. In fact, you can see the tracks coming right up the door.
The mill was owned by Robert Patton Sr., Robert Williamson, Carl Williamson and C. R. Campbell.
Less than 20 years later, in 1922, the property was destroyed by fire at a loss of $150,000 (about $2 million today). Arson was suspected.
Photo courtesy of Pat Van Eaton.
Click on image to enlarge.
Eatonville To Rainier 