
Pope & Talbot, Inc. has a rich history that spans over a century. Founded in 1858 by Henry Pope, the company started as a small lumber business.
The company's early success was largely due to its strategic location on the St. Clair River, which provided access to vast timber resources. This allowed Pope & Talbot to grow rapidly.
By the early 20th century, Pope & Talbot had become one of the largest lumber companies in North America. Its innovative approach to forestry and manufacturing helped establish the company as a leader in the industry.
The company continued to expand and modernize throughout the 20th century, adapting to changing market conditions and consumer demands.
Company History
Pope & Talbot, Inc. has a rich history that spans over a century and a half. The company was founded in 1849 and started out by acquiring ships to transport products.
In 1852, Pope & Talbot opened a lumberyard and began constructing a lumber mill in Port Gamble, Washington. This marked the beginning of the company's expansion into the timber industry.

By 1892, Pope & Talbot had acquired 186,000 acres of timberland, a significant milestone in the company's growth. The Puget Mill Company, which was a subsidiary of Pope & Talbot, was sold to Charles R. McCormick Lumber Company in 1925.
However, Pope & Talbot regained ownership of the mill in 1938 after McCormick was unable to make payments. The company continued to expand and went public in 1972, selling stocks to investors.
Company History:
Pope & Talbot was founded in 1849 and was initially involved in shipping products. The company acquired ships to transport goods and expand its operations.
In 1852, Pope & Talbot opened a lumberyard and started building a lumber mill at Port Gamble, Washington. This marked the beginning of the company's involvement in the forestry industry.
The Puget Mill Company was formed in 1852, and by 1892, Pope & Talbot had acquired 186,000 acres of timberland. This significant landholding allowed the company to supply its lumber mills with the necessary raw materials.

The company's involvement in shipping continued until 1963, when it sold off its remaining four ships. This marked a significant shift in the company's focus towards forestry and paper production.
Here's a brief overview of the company's major milestones:
Pope & Talbot's involvement in World War II was significant, with the company providing lumber and ships to support the war effort.
IV. Slippery Slope
Pope & Talbot was a significant case that set a precedent, but its application in later rulings was problematic.
The IRS inappropriately applied the Pope & Talbot ruling in TAM 200443032 and LTR 200934013, which led to incorrect decisions.
These rulings incorrectly stated that the gain recognized under section 311 is based on the FMV of the partnership's assets rather than the partnership equity.
This misapplication of the Pope & Talbot ruling created a slippery slope, where incorrect interpretations of the law could have far-reaching consequences.
The IRS's actions in these two rulings demonstrate the importance of careful consideration and accurate application of case law.
A different take: Diamond S Shipping Group Inc.
Corporate Information
Pope & Talbot, Inc. was a leading North American forest products company that operated for over 150 years.
The company was founded in 1858 by William Pope and Thomas Talbot in Portland, Oregon.
Pope & Talbot, Inc. was a publicly traded company, listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
Corporate Names
Pope & Talbot Lumber Co. and Puget Mill Company are two notable companies with extensive archives and records. Their archives are a treasure trove of historical information.
The Pope & Talbot Lumber Co. has two distinct collections of archives and records. One is a general archive, while the other is a collection of records and correspondence.
Puget Mill Company also has two separate collections, one for archives and another for records and correspondence. This highlights the importance of organization in corporate record-keeping.
The archives of these companies provide a glimpse into their operations and activities over time. This can be a valuable resource for researchers and historians.
Here are some specific corporate names mentioned in the archives:
- Pope & Talbot Lumber Co.--Archives
- Pope & Talbot Lumber Co.--Records and correspondence
- Pope & Talbot--Archives
- Puget Mill Company--Archives
- Puget Mill Company--Records and correspondence
Government of Canada

The Government of Canada has been involved in a notable dispute with a U.S. investor, Pope & Talbot, Inc. The dispute centered on Canada's implementation of the U.S.-Canada Softwood Lumber Agreement.
Canada's allocation of the fee-free quota for softwood lumber exports was a major point of contention. According to the agreement, Canada was supposed to charge a fee on exports exceeding a certain number of board feet.
A tribunal issued an interim award on January 26, 2000, rejecting Canada's jurisdictional challenges. This decision allowed the case to move forward.
Canada was found to have breached Article 1105 of the NAFTA provisions. The tribunal issued an award on the merits on April 10, 2001, rejecting the investor's claim under Article 1102.
The investor, Pope & Talbot, Inc., was awarded U.S. $461,566 in damages and interest on May 31, 2002.
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Lumber Co. Records, 1849-1955
Pope & Talbot, Inc. was a significant player in the lumber industry, and their records provide valuable insights into the company's history.

The records span from 1875 to 1951, with some material being offsite and requiring advance notice for use. Users who want to access the oversize material should contact Special Collections well ahead of their visit.
Pope & Talbot's records include correspondence, business records, and related material. The company's literary rights have not been transferred to the University of Washington Libraries.
The records are divided into several containers, each with its own description and dates. For example, Container 1 contains correspondence from 1940-1941.
Here's a breakdown of the containers and their contents:
The records also include appraisement, lumber company/division monthly statements, and Puget Mill Company records. The Puget Mill Company records date back to 1888 and include cost books, invoices, and records of shipments.
Company Structure
Pope & Talbot, Inc. was a leading forest products company with a complex company structure.
The company was a subsidiary of Mead Corporation, with Mead owning 87% of Pope & Talbot's outstanding common stock.

Pope & Talbot operated through three business segments: Wood Products, Paper, and Timber.
Its Wood Products segment produced a range of wood products, including lumber, plywood, and medium-density fiberboard.
The company's Paper segment manufactured a variety of paper products, including printing papers and specialty papers.
Pope & Talbot's Timber segment managed its timberlands, which were located in the United States and Canada.
The company's operations were organized into several divisions, including its Canadian Timberlands division and its U.S. Timberlands division.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Pope and Talbot still in business?
No, Pope & Talbot is no longer an independent company, having gone bankrupt in 2008 and undergone significant changes in ownership and structure. However, its legacy lives on through its former subsidiaries and the companies that have acquired its assets, including Rayonier.
What is the history of the Puget Mill Company?
The Puget Mill Company was founded in 1853 as a subsidiary of Pope & Talbot, opening its mill on Puget Sound. It eventually became the most profitable lumber firm on the Sound, despite starting smaller than a rival mill.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_%26_Talbot,_Inc.
- https://archiveswest.orbiscascade.org/ark:80444/xv14450
- https://www.italaw.com/cases/863
- https://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/pope-talbot-inc-history/
- https://2009-2017.state.gov/s/l/c3747.htm
- https://www.taxnotes.com/lr/resolve/tax-notes-federal/pope-talbot-and-a-slippery-slope-distributions-of-partnership-equity/7cl4f
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