08/31/2026
One hundred years ago, this sawmill in Engadine was completely destroyed by fire and for a period of time, threatened the town of Engadine. This mill was owned by the Edwin-Bell Cooperage Company of Pittsburg, who opened the mill in Engadine in 1912 to produce wood barrels. The company employed as many as 40 at one time. Fire broke out in the mill on Saturday, August 7, 1926, and the blaze was believed to have started in the engine room. The fire was very large, and clouds of black smoke was noticed by residents picking blueberries out at the Big K**b area and in Hiawatha Club area. To help those fighting the fire, both Newberry and Manistique fire departments brought trucks to assist in fighting the blaze. The loss was estimated at $50,000 to $75,000.
The Edwin-Bell Company did not rebuild in Engadine but transferred operations to Manistique to the former Manistique Cooperage Company facility in October of 1926. The move to Manistique was more economical because they could use an existing facility rather than rebuild the mill at Engadine.
Approximately 30 families moved to Manistique as the company offered the Engadine employees jobs. Operations continued in Manistique until the early 1930s. The original company, now known as Bell Containers, is still operating today in Pennsylvania, though they make corrugated and die cut boxes.
