Jubilee History

The idea of a logging show grew out of friendly competition between men who made their livelihood in the sometimes hazardous, always strenuous business of logging and lumbering. Now added to the friendly competition is a need to show the younger generation how it was done "in the good old days." Preserving heritage becomes increasingly more important as progress brings new and better ways never dreamed of in the days of the springboard and axe.

Some say it was 1937 and some say 1938 when the first Loggers' Jubilee was held. It is a question of whose memory is best, as there doesn't seem to be a permanent record of those early shows. Some say the late F.E. Coleman was the main force behind the first Jubilee. Others say Coleman started it in cooperation with Ed Baker, Peterman Timber Company superintendent, and Jack Sutherland, superintendent of Kosmos Timber, now known as the Morton Division of Champion International.

Still others credit J. Longmire with instigating the first logging show in a lot near his auto and truck repair shop. Reg Lester was Arena Director. Log bucking was held on a vacant lot on Main Street, and tree climbing was later added on a tree near the Glen Fisher place.

A colorful "hillbilly" band advertised Jubilee by touring nearby towns, including Tacoma, Chehalis and Centralia. A mock "hillbilly" wedding on Main Street was a feature of the early shows, with plywood axes sold as souvenirs.

As Jubilee grew, it was arranged to hold the show on the present grade school playground. World War II came in 1941, and as efforts turned in other directions Jubilee was not held for the duration of the war.

In early October 1946, the celebration was revived as "Timber Wolves Daze," with Ross Surnworth managing it. The next year it was renamed Loggers' Jubilee and Nels "Bill" Hanson was hired as manager.

Bleachers were built and portable bleachers were brought in the following year to handle the crowds. High climbing was done on trees near the Tilton River, and cable splicing and tie loading were added to the program. For the first time, the roar of power saws was heard in the show.

More bleachers were added in 1950, and climbing trees were raised on the ground. A tug-of-war between the loggers and the mill men was especially hilarious. It was that year Kosmos Timber displayed a truck loaded with 34,170 feet of logs.

With Morton known as "the tie producing capital of the world" it was fitting that the tie loading competition garnered much interest. Competition between Archie Cheney of Kosmos and Dean Blaksma of Oregon was also a highlight of the shows.

Morton's Chamber of Commerce accumulated Jubilee funds each year and purchased two blocks in the Collar-Wood addition to give Jubilee a home and provide Morton youth with a lighted athletic field.

Ernie Loden of Mineral began clearing the site in the spring of 1952 with a Cat owned by St. Regis Company. Volunteers lugged roots and limbs, burned slash and labored to prepare for the fall's Jubilee. PUD employees and boys from the State Fire Camp were responsible for much of the work involved with putting lights up. The field was graded, seeded and used for football that fall. Governor Arthur B. Langlie attended that Jubilee and complimented the community on its endeavors.

Jubilee managers include Bill Hanson (until 1957), Neil Wright (I 957-59), L. "Howdie" Davison (1960), Gary Coleman (1963-67), Jim Mitchell (1968-69), Don Rowe (1 970-7 1), Gary Coleman (1972-75), "Sonny" Mettler, with brothers "Punk" and Rob (1 976), Terry Simonis, (1977-79), "Sonny" Mettler (1980-present).

Improvements over the years include permanent concrete bleachers constructed by Grose Construction Co. of Morton, new concession stands, a portable all-purpose building,  a Queen's contest to advertise Jubilee (the first queen was Kathy Boren in 1955), and a Jubilee float built under the direction of Chamber President Jerry Mullins and Don Gayman.  Jubilee Park is another addition brought about by the Loggers' Jubilee. Through the efforts of the Chamber of Commerce, the park has gradually been improved and now has a Little League ball field.  An old steam donkey, believed to have been in use in the Morton Mineral area around 1918, has been donated by Otto and Bill Studhalter for display in the park.

For nearly 30 years Eugene "Bing" Bingaman commanded the arena events. In 1989 his nephew Charlie Russell accepted the challenge and responsibility. In 2004 the torch was handed over to Brian Dalton and Chet Erskins Jr. The voice from the announcer's mike was Gil Coleman in earlier years, but since then Reg Lester, Jr., and Michael Fairhart, Jr., both Morton natives, have handled the job well.

Any history of Jubilee must be sketchy because of space, but would not be complete without mention of the fine cooperation offered by the logging operators of the surrounding area. They have made donations of money for contestant prizes and have supplied logs and materials needed for the shows. The countless hours of volunteer work by community-minded people in staging such a show can never be valued in dollars and cents and it would have been impossible to list all those whose efforts have nourished the infant fledgling into a full grown show over the years.

Each year the Jubilee, started so many years ago, grows bigger and better. Added events include the two-day Loggers' Breakfast each morning in Jubilee Park, Lawnmower Races on Friday night, a flea market, food concessions, a community fun run (10K), street dances, a "Down Home Concert" or community play, and a Saturday parade. 

The Queen's Coronation  begins the now four-day weekend, while Friday night hosts the annual "National Championship Lawnmower Races" followed by a professional fireworks show (weather permitting). Saturday begins with a mini marathon as well as bed races, the first of our two day show hosting some of the nations top professional logging competitors, and ends with an evening steak barbecue by the Horseman's Club and street dances throughout the city for all ages. One of the most interesting features of Jubilee weekend is the Saturday parade. On Saturday the grand parade sports junior events, floats, marching units, clowns and displays of logging equipment.  It has been tabbed one of the best logging show parades in the country. 

Thanks to the Budweiser Brewery and Peterson Distributing of Chehalis, Loggers' Jubilee had the rare privilege of hosting the Budweiser Clydesdales twice in four years. In 1989 they were here for Jubilee's Washington Centennial celebration. In 1992, they marched in our parade and logging arena as a part of Loggers' Jubilee's 50-year anniversary. We would always welcome the grand horses and hope to have them back again some day.

Proceeds from the Logger's Jubilee are distributed throughout east Lewis County. Besides dedicating funds back to the Morton Chamber of Commerce, scholarships and support for sport teams and other organizations are given to students from Centralia to White Pass.