This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/an/ncB.2ACE/1449.1 Message Board Post: Helen, I am the archaeologist with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in TN & NC and am currently doing research on the operations of the W.M.Ritter Lumber Company in Hazel Creek, Proctor, NC (located within the park boundaries). I don't know if you knew this or not, but William Ritter sat on the War Appropriations Board from WW1 -WW2. His operations were the largest hardwood lumber production company in the world at the time. In fact, hardwood flooring was exported to Europe. There are many interesting stories about this man and his life. I can fill you in later. I have several leads which might provide you with the location. First, the National Archives in Maryland probably has maps of the sawmill. Most lumber companies using mainlines of railways were required to file with the federal government for interstate commerce reasons. Second, I would try the Records Manager for Georgia-Pacific. GP bought out the Ritter Lumber Company and hence acquired some of the records. I am planning a trip down to Atlanta to visit GP in the next several weeks to see what they have. If I find anything that might be of use to you, I will forward it to you, provided you provide me with your e-mail address. Another alternative might, be the State Historic Preservation Office of South Carolina. States maintain historical documents such as site locations, photographs and other archival materials. I am sure they would be interested in your pictures. I hope this helps and will keep you posted. As always,EK