Interview with Dorman Coates’

Mr. Dorman Coates is a worker and co-owner of Coates’ Lumber Mill. I have interviewed Mr. Coates to find out information about the operation. This is how the interview went:

Robin: When did Coates’ decide to start a commercial lumber mill?
Mr. Coates: We started up the mill in the October of 1971.

Robin: What type of jobs does the mill offer the residents of Main Brook?
Mr. Coates: Well, we have sawers, plane operators, porter operators, truck operators,
and general labor. Normally 4 wood cutters supply the mill.

Robin: How has jobs at the mill changed over the years?
Mr. Coates: Jobs have changed over the years. When the mill began we used a push bench and all the logs were pushed through the saw by hand. Now the logs are fed into the saw by a chain.

Robin: What type of equipment do you use at the mill?
Mr. Coates: At the mill we use planers, porters, loaders, cutoff saws, gang saws, as well as twin saws.

Robin: How has the equipment changed over the years?
Mr. Coates: In early years we used tractors. Then we used timber jacks. Now we use porters. Also we used old saws and had to plane the logs by hand; now we have machines to do that for us.

Robin: How long have you worked at the mill?
Mr. Coates: I have worked at the mill since it opened 27 years ago.

Robin: What is your job at the mill?
Mr. Coates: I am the manager and I operate a porter.

Robin: How many people work at your mill?
Mr. Coates: Right now there are 27 people working at the mill.

Robin: Your forestry opertion is seasonal. When do you start and how long does is continue?
Mr. Coates: We spend anywhere from 7 to 8 months in the mill, usually from March to November.