Here are a few specific documents I found while digging through Spruce Production Division archives in Seattle. The discussion about broken parts and being “nearly obsolete” is amusing, as was the quiet ordering of new parts. Note the replacement with Krags in the fall of 1918 in preparation for training men with a manual of arms more suitable for overseas duty. Also note the purchase of several hundred thousand additional rounds of 30-30 in early 1918.
Thanks guys. I keep hoping to find serial number records, but never do, but there are so many cool things to see in those files it makes up for it. Plus I’m almost certain any records are going to be buried in College Park NARA with either Vancouver Ordnance Officer records, or possibly with Benicia Arsenal. There are also sales records of Division property at Seattle I’m going to tackle soon, but that’s a long slog through logging equipment and such.
Not sure if you knew this, but the old Loyal Legion of Loggers and Lumbermen union hall located in Portland has been converted to the Loyal Legion Beer Hall. Click on the link below and scroll through the photos and you’ll see a photo of the original metal sign that used to hang on the outside of the building. My wife and I stumbled across it by accident when we went there for lunch one day and saw the sign on the wall above the booth we were seated at. Sure would love to have that sign…
Don
openwire said
Thanks guys. I keep hoping to find serial number records, but never do, but there are so many cool things to see in those files it makes up for it. Plus I’m almost certain any records are going to be buried in College Park NARA with either Vancouver Ordnance Officer records, or possibly with Benicia Arsenal. There are also sales records of Division property at Seattle I’m going to tackle soon, but that’s a long slog through logging equipment and such.
The lack of serial number records is one of the primary reasons why I have so diligently surveyed them. Currently I have (291) confirmed Spruce Guns documented in the survey (as well as (34) confirmed or suspected fake Spruce Guns). If you ever do find an inventory list of the Spruce Division arms, that would be awesome!
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
I talked with Bert earlier today, and mentioned some additional Spruce Winchester documents I hadn’t uploaded I’m adding here, mostly ordnance returns at Vancouver. This should settle the question of if the JC 17 guns were part the 1800 though, as they only list 1800 guns in inventory. There is also a telegram requesting some rifles be sent to a logging camp (I have no other context) and some largely self explanatory discussions about armed guards with revolvers elsewhere
openwire said
Bert H. said
Which one of the documents lists or shows the “1,800” number ?
Bert
One I apparently forgot to upload from my phone because I missed it.
Please send a copy of the photo file to me via email – [email protected]
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
November 7, 2015

deerhunter said
Not sure if you knew this, but the old Loyal Legion of Loggers and Lumbermen union hall located in Portland has been converted to the Loyal Legion Beer Hall. Click on the link below and scroll through the photos and you’ll see a photo of the original metal sign that used to hang on the outside of the building. My wife and I stumbled across it by accident when we went there for lunch one day and saw the sign on the wall above the booth we were seated at. Sure would love to have that sign…Don
https://loyallegionbeerhall.com/portland/#slide0
Quite the bourbon selection, some we don’t see in these parts. May not be a good time to be a logger but it’s a great time to be a bourbon afficianado.
Mike
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