Print this page Our Friend the Tree
J.M. Syken
Course Outline
Through the viewing of several archival/documentary films produced in the 1930s/40s/50s, we will examine the history and development of the lumber industry in the United States.
We will examine the establishment of controlled forestry practices in the United States (in the late 19th Century) and the methods, means, technology etc. used to extract trees from a forest. We will also examine the many products and occupations derived from wood.
This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.
Learning Objective
At the conclusion of this course, the student will:
- Understand/appreciate the problems surrounding uncontrolled forestry practices and the establishment of national forests/reserves to protect our forest resources;
- Understand/appreciate the many industries which rely on wood as a raw and/or finish material;
- Understand/appreciate the importance of wood as a war material and/or substitute material during wartime;
- Understand/appreciate the infrastructure required to create newsprint paper from wood pulp;
- Understand/appreciate the logging process from tree selection through to transportation of finish material;
- Understand/appreciate the many occupations dependent upon wood; and
- Understand/appreciate the use/application of framing lumber to construct a “Western” (a.k.a. “Platform”) frame structure.
Intended Audience
This course is intended for architects, engineers and other design professionals.
Benefit to Attendees
The attendee/s will gain an intimate knowledge and insight into the background, history, development, innovations, technologies etc. of the lumber industry.
Course Introduction
The course incorporates the viewing of several archival/documentary films broken down as follows;
- Part 1 – Industry Overview
- Part 2 – Paper for the Presses
- Part 3 – Logging for Lumber
- Part 4 – Working with Wood
Part 1 examines the forestry industry from the first settlement of North America through to the establishment of the U.S. Forest Service and WWII. Part 2 examines the infrastructure/logistics of supplying a major newspaper with sufficient wood pulp to make newsprint paper. Part 3 examines logging operations as they existed prior to WWII. Part 4 examines the many varied occupations derived from the lumber industry and the use of framing lumber to construct a wood-frame building.
Course Content
Part 1 – Industry Overview;
TITLE: Forestry and Forest Industries (1946)
LINK: http://archive.org/details/Forestry1946
DURATION: 10:17
TITLE: Wood for War (ca.1942)
LINK: http://archive.org/details/WoodForW1942
DURATION: 06:24
TITLE: The Tree in a Test Tube (1943)
LINK: http://archive.org/details/The_tree_in_a_test_tube
DURATION: 05:31
Part 2 – Paper for the Presses;
TITLE: Trees to Tribune (1937)
LINK: http://archive.org/details/TreestoT1937
DURATION: 19:55
Part 3 – Logging for Lumber;
TITLE: From Ship to Stump (1930)
LINK: http://archive.org/details/gov.archives.arc.13585
DURATION: 27:55
TITLE: Redwood Saga (1940)
LINK: http://archive.org/details/RedwoodS1940
DURATION: 10:29
Part 4 – Working with Wood;
TITLE: The Woodworker (1940)
LINK: http://archive.org/details/Woodwork1940
DURATION: 10:42
TITLE: Framing- Floor Joists and Walls (1950)
LINK: http://archive.org/details/gov.ntis.a06589-vnb1
DURATION: 24:42
Course Summary
Literally grown from the earth by natural processes, trees are considered a “crop” and like a farmer tends his crop, so too does the lumber industry tend their crop: trees. In good logging practice, the only trees that are felled are those that are of least use to the forest and of most use to mankind. Care is taken to preserve the young saplings and nurture their growth. Fire; one of the greatest dangers to forests, cannot be eliminated entirely since it has both natural and man-made origins, but significant measures are taken to retard its occurrence and contain it. With care and understanding of its importance to our world and well-being, our friend the tree should be around for a long time to come.
Related Links
For additional technical information related to this subject, please visit the following websites:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forestry
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lumber
Quiz
Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.
DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.
