Pysht - Washington Ghost Town

PYSHT

NAME: Pysht
COUNTY: Clallam
ROADS: 2WD
GRID: 6
CLIMATE: Cool winter and summer.
BEST TIME TO VISIT: Anytime.

COMMENTS: Worth the visit!
REMAINS: Many original buildings.

There are several versions of the derivation of the name, the most likely the Indian word sounding like "Pysht," a place "where the wind blows from all directions." Despite difficult access, homesteaders claimed land along the fertile deltas of the Pysht River during the early 1880s. There was little growth until the outbreak of World War I that created a demand for spruce for the long spars for the wings of airplanes. And that started a logging boom. In the summer of 1917, work began to deepen the harbor for the booming grounds. The chief logging firm to respond to the demand for spruce in the Pysht area was Merrill & Ring (M&R) which had a reputation of being a model in the logging business. M&R continues to cut timber on its lands near Pysht and continues its replacement efforts long before the government required it to do so. At the old site of Pysht, the offices of M&R's tree farm still are housed in an original building; the superintendent's home, guest house, and several; neat workmen's houses remain. Submitted by Henry Chenowith.	Near Port Angeles Courtesy Elizabeth C

There are several versions of the derivation of the name, the most likely the Indian word sounding like "Pysht," a place "where the wind blows from all directions." Despite difficult access, homesteaders claimed land along the fertile deltas of the Pysht River during the early 1880s. There was little growth until the outbreak of World War I that created a demand for spruce for the long spars for the wings of airplanes. And that started a logging boom. In the summer of 1917, work began to deepen the harbor for the booming grounds. The chief logging firm to respond to the demand for spruce in the Pysht area was Merrill & Ring (M&R) which had a reputation of being a model in the logging business. M&R continues to cut timber on its lands near Pysht and continues its replacement efforts long before the government required it to do so. At the old site of Pysht, the offices of M&R's tree farm still are housed in an original building; the superintendent's home, guest house, and several; neat workmen's houses remain. Submitted by Henry Chenowith.

Near Port Angeles
Courtesy Elizabeth C

BACK