This collection contains the Chenoweth Lumber Company's account book, purchase order book, log and stumpage records.

The Chenoweth Lumber Company was a family-operated lumber business based on Bodega, California, where the Chenoweth sawmill was located. The Chenoweth family settled in western Sonoma County in the 1870s and was active in early lumbering throughout the area. The company was formed as Chenoweth & Chenoweth Lumber (also known as Chenoweth Lumber Mill Co.) when the mill was built by Hardin T. Chenoweth and his son, Lesley "Les" Chenoweth in the late 1940s. The company first intensively logged the former Galleher property and Joy Woods grove northeast of Bodega. Les Chenoweth's brother, William Chenoweth also joined the business, which was active through the 1970s. Les Chenoweth and the company became embroiled in controversy over proposed expansion of the Camp Meeker water system, which was perceived to benefit the Chenoweth family and their ability to subdivide a portion of the large Chenoweth Ranch for housing parcels.

1 linear foot 1 document box

Collection does not circulate and may be photocopied or photographed by arrangement only.

Conditions Governing Access: This collection is partially processed. Please contact the Sonoma County History and Genealogy Library for access; for contact info and current hours, see