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The Adams River Lumber company was incorporated and organized in 1907 under the laws of the Province of the British Columbia by an American-based company. The company commenced sawmill and logging operations in 1909.

The actual mill site was located at the outlet of Little Shuswap Lake and the head of the South Thompson River about 1.6 km (1/2 mile) from a proposed town site. The mill was constructed on 70 acres of leased land tied in for a period of 99 years. The sawmill was constructed with the latest industry equipment and was reputed to be the first major industry and largest sawmill established in the Interior, as well as the third largest sawmill in British Columbia. A Canadian Pacific Railway side track provided easy access to the main line for the shipment of the finished product.

For the town site, the Company bought additional property from the Estate of Whitfield Chase, and elected to name the new community in his honour. Lots were sold to employees and to enterprising merchants who saw opportunities in the new boom town. The Company furnished the town with electricity and water. The town grew quickly as many flocked to the area. Buildings sprang up, churches, a hospital and a school were built. The town flourished.

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View of the Adams River Lumber Company
1908-1925
Chase, British Columbia, Canada

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Within two years one half of the town lots had sold. Many new residents were from the United States and further abroad but locals found employment as well, both at the mill and in the bush.

Western Land Grants and immigration drew new arrivals to the area. Secondary industries of farming and ranching thrived for the logging industry required horses, and new arrivals required food and livestock.

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Planer Mill
1908-1925
Chase, British Columbia, Canada

Credits:
Walter F. Montgomery

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Interior of the Mill
1908-1925
Chase, British Columbia, Canada

Credits:
Walter F. Montgomery

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Engine Room at the Mill
Circa 1908-1925
Chase, British Columbia, Canada

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Logs on converyor going into the mill
1908-1925
Chase, British Columbia, Canada

Credits:
Mildred (Ping) Gatin

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Lumber yard
1908-1925
Chase, British Columbia, Canada

Credits:
Walter F. Montgomery

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Loading platform
1908-1925
Chase, British Columbia, Canada

Credits:
Walter Forest Montgomery

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The company secured additional leases for storage pockets of logs, booms, and for warehouses and camps located at the head of Little Shuswap Lake, Lower Adams River and Adams Lake. Initially the logging operation took place along the Upper Adams River and along the shoreline. Many men were housed in camps located near the logging operations.

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Logging camp
1908-1925
Adams Lake, British Columbia, Canada

Credits:
Walter. F. Montgomery

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Logs booms towed by the stern wheeler, "A.R. Helen" were brought to a splash dam at the head of the Lower Adams River. The dam maintained the level of the lake until a sluice gate was released supplying enough water to float the logs down to Shuswap Lake. This dam would have a significant impact on major spawning grounds of the sockeye salmon. The logs were then collected into booms again and towed by the stern wheeler "Crombie" to the saw mill at Chase, British Columbia.

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"A.R. Helen" towing a boom of logs on Adams Lake
1908-1925
Adams Lake, British Columbia, Canada

Credits:
Walter F. Montgomery

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Splash dam on Adams River
1908-1946
Adams Lake, British Columbia, Canada