West Coast Plywood plant exterior — 8/1936 — #14541_1
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Photograph Copyright Anderson & Middleton Company
United States — Washington (State) — Hoquiam
West Coast Plywood Co.
Thanks to Sam Talley, who notes: "West Coast Plywood was started in 1936. The founder and President, A.R.(Bob) Wuest invented exterior plywood along with Art Welch. They used a hot press when gluing the sheets of veneer together. The product was called Welchboard. Every Christmas Mr. Wuest bought a railcar of frozen turkeys, each weighing over 20 lbs, as a gift for every employee. My wife's father Edwin Peterson worked there and said Mr. Wuest was a great friend and employer. In high school, the late 1960's, I ran around with Bob Wiscomb, Mr. Wuest's grandson. Mr. Wuest had the most beautiful home I have ever visited. It even had an elevator that went to the third floor. He sold the mill in 1966 and died in 1969 at age 80."
The 1951 Polk's Directory lists the West Coast Plywood Co. with "A. Robert Wuest Pres, Arthur R. Welch V-Pres, Mfrs. of 'Tru-Bilt' Plywood, Foot 28th, Port Dock, Hoquiam.The buyer's guide includes a display ad which features their exclusive product, "Welchboard, a permanently smooth plastic surfaced plywood for Every Exterior Building Need. Eliminates Grain Raise, Gives Longer Paint Life, Proved Through Use."
