Spruce Production Division

Spruce Production Division was a unit of the United States Army during World War I that was tasked with the production of spruce lumber for aircraft manufacturing. It was established in 1917, as the demand for high-quality spruce wood surged due to its essential role in the construction of military aircraft. The division operated primarily in the Pacific Northwest, an area known for its vast spruce forests.

Background

During World War I, the importance of air power became increasingly apparent, leading to a significant expansion in aircraft production. Spruce wood was highly valued for its strength, light weight, and resistance to warping, making it an ideal material for the frames of aircraft. However, the United States faced a shortage of this critical resource, which threatened to impede the production of military aircraft. To address this issue, the U.S. Army established the Spruce Production Division.

Operations

The Spruce Production Division was responsible for overseeing the harvesting, milling, and transportation of spruce lumber. It employed both military personnel and civilian workers, including experienced lumberjacks and mill workers. The division set up operations in the states of Oregon and Washington, where the majority of the country's spruce forests were located.

One of the significant challenges faced by the division was labor unrest. The Pacific Northwest was a hotbed of labor activism, and disputes between workers and management were common. To mitigate these issues, the Army provided better working conditions and wages than were typically found in the industry at the time.

Impact

The efforts of the Spruce Production Division significantly increased the supply of spruce lumber, enabling the United States to meet its aircraft production goals during the war. The division's operations also had a lasting impact on the Pacific Northwest, contributing to the development of the region's lumber industry and infrastructure.

Demobilization

With the end of World War I in November 1918, the need for spruce lumber declined sharply. The Spruce Production Division was demobilized in 1919, and its assets were sold off. The division's legacy lived on in the Pacific Northwest, where it had played a crucial role in the expansion of the lumber industry.

Legacy

The Spruce Production Division is remembered as a unique and innovative solution to a critical wartime problem. It demonstrated the importance of resource management and logistics in modern warfare and highlighted the interconnection between military needs and civilian industries.