09/03/2024
One of the world's largest log cabins. Portland, Oregon, 1938. Built in 1905, burned down in 1964.
The Forestry Building in Portland, Oregon, was known as a "temple of timber" and was once one of the largest log structures in the world. Built for the 1905 Lewis and Clark Exposition, it showcased the Pacific Northwest's rich forestry resources. The building was made with huge Douglas fir logs, some reaching up to six feet in diameter and fifty-four feet in length. Its design featured towering columns, detailed wooden arches, and a vast, cathedral-like interior that amazed visitors.
Inside, the building displayed exhibits celebrating the region's forestry industry, including giant logs, handcrafted furniture, and various types of wood. These displays highlighted both the natural beauty and economic value of Oregon's timber. The exterior was just as impressive, with a log facade that blended with the surrounding forest, reflecting the region's strong connection to nature.
Sadly, on August 17, 1964, the iconic Forestry Building was destroyed by a fire that quickly consumed the entire structure. This blaze erased an architectural marvel, leaving behind only memories and black-and-white photos. The loss of the building deeply affected the community, as it symbolized Portland's history and natural heritage and was a stunning example of early 20th-century log architecture. Today, it is remembered as a grand monument to Oregon's timber past, a structure that, for a brief time, stood as a testament to the strength and beauty of the state's forests.
