The Seattle Cedar Lumber Manufacturing Company, located just west of the north end of the Ballard Bridge, opened in 1890. This and other Ballard sawmills turned out millions of shingles and board feet of lumber until the shrinking supply of cedar logs brought about the end of the industry. In 1958 the largest fire in Seattle since the fire of 1889 broke out at the mill. The mill was rebuilt and regained peak production a year later, closing for good in 1973.

This view of the Seattle Cedar mill faces north and east across Salmon Bay towards Phinney Ridge. Visible on the tower at the center of the image is the logo for the company's trademark brand of cedar colonial siding and lumber, Maltese Cross, advertised as weatherproof due to an air dry process containing no pitch, gum, or rosin, ensuring the wood does not swell, twist, or curl.

Handwritten on negative: Plant of Seattle Cedar Lumber Mfg. Co.
Businesses in image: Hotel Dupont; Bagdad Theatre; Foss Co. Tugs and Barges; Curtiss Hardware Co.;
Photographer's number: 121091

Caption information source: "The Ohio Architect and Builder," Volume 18, 1911, page 67