About US
A horse team skids logs in Island Park, ID
South & Jones Timber Co. is rooted in a rich history of hard work, ingenuity, and perseverance. Samuel South began timber operations in the 1920’s in Island Park, Idaho. In those days, portable mills were set up at logging sites and logs were skidded by teams of horses. Samuel, along with his family and friends, quickly grew their timber business by suppling railroad ties for the Targhee Tie Company.
In 1943 the South logging operation was relocated to Southwest Wyoming where Samuel South’s eldest son Ren took over operations. Ren partnered with his son-in-law, Gene Jones, and two sons Burton and Dan South, to officially form South and Jones Timber Company. They built their mill in central Evanston Wyoming near what is now the Bear River State Park ice ponds. Supplying railroad ties and mine props to large operations helped them gain a foothold in the area.
Aftermath of the South & Jones fire, 1965
In 1965 the mill burned to the ground. Devastating though it was, Ren, Gene, Burton and Dan decided to rebuild the mill from the ground up. Through their hard work and ingenuity, the mill was rebuilt to be more efficient than before and operations expanded. They began producing rough cut lumber for ranchers and builders, as well as the general public. Ren passed away in 1975 and Gene retired shortly thereafter, leaving Burton, Dan, and their brother-in-law Gaylon Thornock in charge of the mill.
The rebuilt mill north of Evanston, WY
During the oil boom of the 1980’s, the State forced South & Jones to relocate in order to accommodate a new highway being built through Evanston. Eight miles north of Evanston, they rebuilt the mill and expanded their operations yet again. They focused on speed and efficiency, and looked for additional ways to utilize the timber they cut. Dan South designed the system that processes lumber through the mill, that is still being used today.
Gaylon Thornock, Burton and Dan South
Part of the system at work inside the mill
Dan South attending to a saw blade
They installed new equipment in order to process their sawdust bi-product into burnable wood pellets used for heating. They harvested timber from nearby locations including Uintah, Cache, Ashley, Wasatch and Bridger-Teton National forests, as well as land leased by private individuals and ranchers. South & Jones continues business in the same location today, employing nearly 50 people as cutters, skidders, truckers, and mill workers.
One of the S&J self-loader log trucks.
Burton South and his trusty sidekick “Tuffy”
Dan South passed away in 2004 and Burton in 2013. Today, operations continue under Gaylon Thornock and his son Bruce, along with other close family members and many dedicated long-time employees. South & Jones continues providing high quality timber products as always. The improved efficiency of the mill uses 95% of every piece of timber they cut, resulting in very little waste. Nearly 8 million board feet of lumber are processed through the mill every year. In 2017, they expanded operations by acquiring the Ayers and Baker Post Mill and Treating facility in Mountain View, WY. With new opportunities ahead and a history of grit and hard work, South & Jones will continue to evolve and grow for years to come.
South & Jones Timber Co. 2018