The California Fruit Exchange Dairy Built in 1910.
Originally brought to life by the pioneers of the timber industry, the town of Graeagle was the site of the Graeagle Lumber Company and its “Box Factory” owned by the California Fruit Exchange. Thousands were employed to build boxes for shipping fruit and vegetables in the 1920s, 30s and 40s. Modernization closed the mill in 1956 and the town was acquired by the West family in 1958.
Today you can see the success of West’s efforts in maintaining the integrity and charm of the community as it was back in the 1950s. Add to that, Graeagle Meadows Golf Course, a championship 18-hole course, a condominium project, six subdivisions, public tennis courts, the old mill pond for swimming…and you have all the ingredients for a very special lifestyle. In addition, the restaurants and unique shops offer opportunities never experienced by even the well-seasoned traveler.
Photos Courtesy of the West family and the Plumas County Museum (530) 283-6320
Swing Donkey and crew, Graeagle area, 1924. Prior to the invention of hydraulics, logging was grueling work with cables, pulleys and rigging. Loggers used steam powered Swing Donkeys and a system of cables to skid and load logs.