How is the term “sawdust empire,” which is used today to describe the Northwest region during the 1950s and 1960s, connected to the GI Bill?
Sawdust was provided to veterans by lumber companies as a low-cost fuel source negotiated through the GI Bill.
A great rush for timber occurred because of a building boom as veterans purchased houses as part of the GI Bill.
A suggested therapeutic remedy for veterans suffering from postwar trauma was to train as cabinet and furniture craftsmen.
The timber industry was required to cooperate with veterans concerning employment conditions as part of the GI Bill.