Ozan Lumber Company - J.R. Bemis Takes Over

J.R. Bemis Takes Over

In 1935, W.N. Bemis died, leaving J.R. as the main share holder for the company. In 1936, the mill in Prescott burned. At the time, another mill was being built by the company in Delight, Arkansas, but the loss of the Prescott mill severely hampered construction on the latter. In January, 1937, the Delight mill was completed, behind schedule, and started operation.

In 1939, the Whelen Springs mill was closed, with J.R. Bemis opening another mill in Rosboro, Arkansas, on the heels of Thomas Rosborough closing down his operations there and moving his company, Caddo River Timber, to Springfield, Oregon. Rosborough's company, Rosboro Lumber, is today one of the largest private timber holders in the Pacific Northwest.

J.R. Bemis used his new Rosboro mill as a feeder mill to the Delight sight, via the Missouri Pacific Railroad. By now Bemis had his Prescott mill back in operation, the Delight mill was running full force, and his Rosboro mill was feeding Delight.

Ovan Lumber Company and Ozan-Graysonia Lumber Company had been two separate companies since the 1920s. However, they were merged after W.N. Bemis' death. Through this merger, the company now ran by J.R. Bemis acquired mills in Hope, Prescott, Arkadelphia and Nashville, Arkansas, as well as more than 52,000 acres (210 km2) of timberland. D.K. Bemis, a cousin to J.R., had begun handling the land and timber operations in 1935. He became the savior of the company, by constantly having their areas replanted following the timber being cut. Using the companies Chief Forester, T.R. Moberg, the company began selective harvesting. D.K. Bemis pioneered the school forest idea, which is now widespread. Beginning in the late 1930s, school children were asked to assist in the replanting of trees, as a part of their school's education program. By the 1950s many of these children would see at least one cutting of the timber they planted.

Due to this modern thinking on their part, and the part of J.R. Bemis, the company thrived. Companies of the past had merely cut over all virgin timber, then moved on to another location. By replanting and selective harvesting, the Ozan Lumber Company was able to constantly replenish their timber supplies. By 1956 the company owned 132,000 acres (530 km2) of timberland. The company would thrive and be successful throughout J.R. Bemis' lifetime. In March, 1952, the mill at Delight burned, resulting in the Rosboro mill being placed on a two shift schedule to pick up the slack. In October, 1952, the company leased a mill in Antoine, Arkansas, and by November, 1953, the second shift at Rosboro's mill was discontinued. Ozan Lumber Company also ventured into the automotive industry, managing the Smackover Motor Company and the Prescott Motor Company. The company sold out to Potlatch Corporation in 1965. J.R. Bemis died on March 16, 2000.