This structure is looking rather cozy on its present location. It is now and has been in retirement since the early 1970s -- around forty years ago. This very large structure is known in Oregon as a wigwam burner -- named for its shape of course.
Burners were used to burn waste wood and/or sawdust at the many wood mill plants around Western Oregon. The burning created a lot of polluted air around mills and neighboring areas which led to their demise. A law was laid down that these burners could no longer be used beginning in the early 1970s.
Now the few that are still standing are like large lawn ornaments on the landscape. I don't know how many are actually still in place. I took this picture at a former mill site named Davidson Mill Industries near Mapleton, Oregon.. I am glad the wigwam is still there as it represents a historical period when logging was a major industry in Lane County, Oregon as well as other counties. Although logging the land had its positives and negatives, it forced us to take stock of our clean air and develop laws to protect it.
Here is an old photo of a mill site with a wigwam burner that is in Oregon's Salem Library archives. The photo was taken by Ben Maxwell in 1963 in Independence, Oregon. Notice that nasty plume emanating from the wigwam burner.
AND -- Get a look at those fins on what appears to be an old Chevy (or Oldsmobile)!
More information:
My South Lane - Mapleton Wigwam Burner
The Columbia River -- Wigwam burners (great history)
