"For Sale" Sign Down Now For Struggling Ryderwood
There's new hope for the small town of Ryderwood, once the home of the largest logging operation in this part of Southwest Washington.
Ryderwood is located just across the lines in Cowlitz county and was named in honor of W. F. Ryder, who had spent some 35 years with the Long Bell Lumber company. At its height, Ryderwood saw more than 700 men employed there.
Town for Sale
Last summer all logging operations left the area and the town owned by Long Bell, went on the auction block.
With the closing of the town as a woods operation center, its inhabitants began to scatter to the four winds. Many of them had lived in Ryderwood since it was established in 1923. Last July less than 200 people remained there.
Investors Buy
In mid April of this year, the "town for sale" sign came down from the tiny community. A group of investors incorporated as Senior Estates Inc. announced the purchase of Ryderwood from Long Bell.
The purchasing company said retired persons living on social security or corporate retirement grants would be invited to move to Ryderwood and purchase homes. There are some 400 dwelling units available.
Officers of the corporation include Col. William F. Brandt, retired Los Angeles banker, president; John Ritter, Seattle, vice-president; Willard Wright, Seattle, secretary, and Arthur Taylor, Los Angeles, engineer.
Source: The Daily Chronicle, 6 Jun 1953, page 4C.
Transcribed by Jenny Tenlen.