These Ancient trees from Michigan’s north started to be milled @1860— Large, virgin white pines 300-600 hundred years old and stood up to 200 feet high — Loggers often shipped their wares on sleds down icy roads to river landings, then floated them to mills after the spring thaw. Some 30% of the logs sunk, but the supply seemed endless. Trees are a renewable resource but take time to replenish. Most native forests were leveled between 1870 and 1900. Early colonists logged verdant forests for constructing America's early forts and missions, and later, British and American manufacturers used these native hardwoods to build ships for war and commerce.
For decades I’ve been searching for a timber that is as rare as rubies, sweet as honey, light as the wind, non-rainforest, sustainable, and distinctly American. Searching for the perfect species among a vast and endless forest I’ve finally found what I've been looking for. In this discovery of the legacy of Charles Hackley and the north Michigan White pine timbers the search is over and now I can share with all the players who've also been on the quest for a native timber who’s weight, character, nuances and tonally superior voice are nothing short of Awe-inspiring!
Just ask Keef.