This is one of a series of caches that are associated with the local history with a focus on our family.
Prior to 1981, the orchard at this location was originally owned by SDG Macerich properties LP of Santa Monica CA (as opposed to Scottsdale AZ who owned the land to the east of this location). In 1981, Sutherlands Lumber Company opened at this location and was supported from their milling operation near Ridgeway, a town to the south.
During the Korean war, there was a lumber shortage. My grandfather and his oldest 2 sons would fell trees on Grand Mesa and haul them to his property on G road near Palisade where they would saw them into dimension lumber and sell to Sutherland’s in Ridgway.
As a child, I recall seeing the sawblade which was taller than me. In hind sight, the blade was on a steel frame elevating it above the ground but was at least 3 feet in diameter I am sure. It was common to connect the rim of a vehicle to a saw by a belt, it seems logical that is how this saw was powered.
Unfortunately, this family owned business is now closed and we will have to shop at the Atlanta Owned lumber yard down the road.