In 1978 a group of eight people formed a committee to look into
the possibility of building a Woodmen's Museum to preserve our local lumbering history. They decided upon a 15 acre site
on Route# 8 at Boiestown, made this a Bicentennial Project and began putting their plans into action. The Museum became incorporated
and opened to the public in 1979.
In
1979 the Quonset Huts were moved here from Peaked Mountain (Renous Area) being donated by Boise Cascade Limited. Through our
student grant we remodeled the first Quonset Hut with the axe on the top to resemble a half log, due to the buildings unique
shape. The axe was made by Vernon Dunphy. At this time the building contained all the artifacts loaned or donated to the Museum.
The surrounding grounds were cleared and a small bridge built over the brook.
Machine sheds, etc. was constructed. In the fall of this year the main building which would contain the Gift
Shop, etc. was started under a large plastic dome. This was to be a winter project. Vernon Dunphy designed the plans for this
building.
In 1980 the second Quonset
Hut was assembled and a Peavey put on the top. The Peavey was also made by Vernon Dunphy. The replica of the Cookhouse-Bunkhouse-Dingle
and the Sawmill were built on site. The Trapper's Cabin (over 100 years old) was brought from 47 Lake (Rocky Brook Area)
and reconstructed on site. The man made pond was built this year.
In 1981 the Main Building was completed and an extra wing added. The replica of the Blacksmith Shop was built.
Some of the equipment came from the old Blacksmith in Boiestown with the majority of the equipment coming from J. H. Hood
and Son of Cross Creek. J. H. Hood and Son set up the contents of the building. The railroad, Trestle Bridge and Tunnel were
built and the Fire Tower was assembled. The Pond was stocked with Brook Trout from the Miramichi Salmon Conservation
Centre.
