FOLDER 7: Hemlock

This is a folder of the Rib Lake Historical Society, LLC, prepared by its manager, Robert P. Rusch.  Eastern hemlock, with yellow birch, was the dominant tree species in the virgin forests of Rib Lake, Wisconsin. The founder of Rib Lake, J.J. Kennedy, built what became the nation’s then largest hemlock manufacturing sawmill.  Hemlock provided the tannic acid that permitted the Rib Lake Tannery to flourish from 1892-1922.  These are some of the reasons for the creation of this folder. 

The manager intends to devote a chapter to “hemlock” in the to be written “A Diamond in the Rough; A History of  Rib Lake by One Who Loves Her.”  The material within this folder will provide source material and references.

            SPECIAL NOTE TO ONLINE READERS: Feel free to submit additions, corrections and comments to: 

Robert P. Rusch, N8643 CTH C, Rib Lake, WI  54470, 715-427-3444, rprusch@newnorth.net