In 1923, the idea of a more refined, engineered, "machined" log home became reality and North America's milled log home industry was born. It all started with an enterprising lumberman in Northern Maine, named not Paul Bunyan, but Bruce Ward. He harvested Northern White Cedar logs for local utility companies to be used as poles. Bruce liked the beauty and the excellent properties of Northern White Cedar so much he built himself a small cabin on a local lake. Northern White Cedar is known for its resistance to mold, mildew and insects along with high energy values. This rather crude cabin was so much admired by friends and neighbors that he was constantly being asked to build cabins for them. Bruce felt that if his concept could be improved and standardized he could create another outlet for his cedar logs, increasing demand in the future. 

Bruce established a small mill known as Ward Cabin Company in Presque Isle, Maine and started producing log packages. Ward's first buildings were small and rather crude homes by today's standards. They lacked today's modern joinery techniques and precise milling. Despite these shortcomings, there was a strong demand. 

From these humble beginnings, the Ward product has constantly been upgraded, improved and revised over the past seventy-five years. Michael McLaughlin, President of Ward Log Homes, states, "the tongue and groove method of joinery that Bruce Ward implimented as well as the butt and pass corners were fundamental changes in how milled log home design evolved." 

The boom in log homes came during the 60's as a result of the "Back to Nature" movement. "Home buyers started looking at log homes as an alternative to unattractive and sterile conventional homes. Ward Log Homes moved its entire operation to newer and larger facilities in Houlton, Maine. Improved machinery, design capabilities, and requirements for proper engineering and engineering standards began moving Ward Cabin Company and other companies away from the "cabin" business into mainstream American housing. That trend continues to this day." says McLaughlin. 

Today beautiful milled log homes can be built for about the same price as a conventionally framed or brick structure. Ward Log Homes, formerly known as Ward Cabin Company, has become increasingly responsive to consumer wants and needs. Ward offers services to their customers like design, engineering, construction and finance advice as well as "after the sale" maintenance products. Ward's building systems meet or exceed National building code requirements. Jon McLaughlin, Executive Vice President in charge of manufacturing states, "We are constantly researching new ways to make our homes better through evolving technology and products. We want to incorporate features that will continue to increase the value of our log homes and make log home living a more pleasurable experience than it already is." 

The milled log home industry has a rich history. As long as consumers have a love for the beauty, warmth, comfort and character of solid wood homes, Ward Log Homes will continue to have a bright future. Milled log homes are now a part of America's heritage. "Special thanks should be reserved for Maine's Bruce Ward, who 75 years ago, founded Ward Cabin Company and the entire milled log home industry. Ward is proud to be the granddaddy of the industry, celebrating our 75^th year." states McLaughlin."