A Marvel of the 1905 Lewis and Clark Centennial Exposition
The Birth of a Wooden Wonder
In 1905, Portland, Oregon, became home to an architectural marvel – the Forestry Building. Constructed for the Lewis and Clark Centennial Exposition, this magnificent structure was dubbed the “world’s largest log cabin” by the media, though it actually held the title of second largest. Designed by architect Ion Lewis of the renowned Portland firm Whidden and Lewis, with assistance from Albert E. Doyle, the building was a testament to the region’s rich forestry heritage.
A Cathedral of Giant Trees
The Forestry Building was truly a sight to behold. Measuring 206 feet long, 102 feet wide, and soaring 72 feet high (equivalent to about 7 stories), it required a staggering million board feet of lumber to construct. The interior featured an awe-inspiring colonnade of 54 massive, unpeeled Douglas Fir trunks, each six feet in diameter and carefully selected from old-growth forests in Columbia County, Oregon, by lumber baron Simon Benson.
The Legacy and Decline
From Exposition Star to City Landmark
After the exposition, the City of Portland purchased the Forestry Building, recognizing its significance. For years, it stood as a popular attraction, housing exhibits on the forestry industry, local flora and fauna, and Native American artifacts. However, the building’s fate was far from secure.
A Series of Close Calls
Throughout its life, the Forestry Building faced numerous challenges. In 1914, it narrowly escaped destruction when a nearby building caught fire. The 1920s saw debates about dismantling it, while the 1940s brought another fire scare. Despite these setbacks, the structure persevered, with restoration efforts in the 1950s bringing it back to its former glory.
The Fiery Finale
A Tragic End to a Portland Icon
On August 17, 1964, the Forestry Building’s story came to a dramatic and heartbreaking conclusion. Just 45 minutes after the caretaker locked up for the night, the entire structure was engulfed in flames. The fire, caused by faulty vintage electrical wiring, quickly grew to spectacular proportions, drawing crowds from all over Portland to witness the tragic spectacle.
A Legacy in Ashes
The loss of the Forestry Building was a significant blow to Portland’s architectural heritage. The fire consumed not only the magnificent structure but also the priceless collection of logging and lumbering exhibits it housed. Today, all that remains of this once-great “cathedral of giant trees” are vintage photographs and memories, preserving the legacy of what was truly one of the most remarkable wooden structures ever built.
