Cultural Resources

Paul M. Dunn: Yes, during the Depression years, and later. The resurgence of interest in forest land didn't occur until sometime after World War II, when greater land values were recognized. I think we can answer the question that was asked earlier, as to how much money was paid for the 6,200 acres of the Adair Tract. Actually, it was only $1,836, which was the cost of the appraisal.

Royal Jackson / Jennifer Lee: Are there any of those early people that you dealt with, that were certainly memorable, that you bought the land from in your capacity as Dean? Any particular individual you remember?

Paul M. Dunn: We bought some from T.J. Starker. Also, some from Van Ellis of Philomath. I'm not sure if he's around now. Some from Caffall Brothers Timber Company. They're in business in Portland. One of the Caffalls, who is active now, is a graduate of Oregon State. As I said, many of them had some interest in Oregon State, and were interested in supporting the program. We told a pretty good story, because there are very few Forestry Schools that have timber land holdings as productive as this timberland and as close to their campus. Most of their land holdings are some distance from their campus. The University of Washington in Seattle, has the Pack Forest that was given to them, but it is 30-40 miles away. Here, as you know, you can go out in the morning and get back at noon, and still carry out a class program or you can have an all-day program. It's exceptional.

Royal Jackson / Jennifer Lee: I'm a little confused about the relationship with the School of Agriculture to the McDonald-Paul Dunn Forests. I understand they administer a portion of that. Is that right?

Paul M. Dunn: Yes. That was a different type of management.

Royal Jackson / Jennifer Lee: Before we leave the McDonald Forest part, let me ask you if you know of any interesting events that have occurred in the Forest. I understand Sulphur Springs has an interesting history and there have been a series of sawmills and homesteads at different times. Do you have any recollection of any structures or events or people that have played a part in the history of that area?

Paul M. Dunn: I don't recall any. Sulphur Springs was a meeting place for people in the area because of the particular qualities of the water in the Springs. It is just at the edge of the McDonald Forest along Soap Creek. There are some families living in that area now. There were no saw mills on the Forest as such, because the general pattern of

Paul M. Dunn: the placement of saw mills was to put them on level ground, and then cut the timber, and haul it to the saw mills. There might have been a saw mill in the early days in the Oak Creek area at the Southern edge of the Forest. The School of Forestry procured a war surplus sawmill after World War II, and set it up as a demonstration and teaching laboratory in the Oak Creek area, but it was not a commercial enterprise. Sawmills were not a part of the area, but the timber was sold to the saw mills. The McDonald Forest area was pretty much all cut over before the School acquisition program came into the picture, timber values having been written off.

Royal Jackson / Jennifer Lee: What about the tower that the Department of Atmospheric Sciences constructed on the high point in McDonald Forest? Did that occur during your period as Dean, or was that later?

Paul M. Dunn: It was while I was Dean, but I frankly do not recall the details. It seemed to be a desirable thing to do, so permission was granted to build it.

Royal Jackson / Jennifer Lee: Any other sites that come to your mind? Any Indian sites that you heard about, for example? Any evidence of any excavations?

Paul M. Dunn: Not that I know of.

Royal Jackson / Jennifer Lee: Any old wagon roads that go through McDonald Forest?

Paul M. Dunn: I don't think so. I think the wagon roads to the Coast were in the area through Philomath and over to Toledo or to Alsea. The McDonald Forest area, of course, has contributed other benefits besides the ones to the School. The State Board of Forestry established a sizable tree nursery in the Arboretum area. During the late 1930's there was a CCC Camp in the area, also.

Royal Jackson / Jennifer Lee: At the Arboretum?

Paul M. Dunn: Yes, at the Arboretum, and the crew constructed a good bit of the road system that is there now, and they did some tree planting. Those two projects, and the headquarters of one of the state fire protection districts were located at the Arboretum.

Royal Jackson / Jennifer Lee: I've heard the CCC Camp referred to as a Spike Camp. Is that a term that is familiar to you?

Paul M. Dunn: Yes, a spike camp is a small facility, an adjunct of a larger unit. I think the Arboretum Camp was a spike of the one, up north I think, but frankly, I'm not sure where the larger unit was.

Royal Jackson / Jennifer Lee: How big was the Camp, do you know? How many were there?