Svenson Sawmills
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The Svenson Sawmills
Ingenuity, Grit & an Engine in the Bush
The Svenson family’s legacy in the Woodford district is one of perseverance, resourcefulness, and community spirit. From a short-lived sawmill at Stanmore in 1937 to a more established operation in Wamuran by the 1950s, Johann Frederick Svenson’s journey through the timber industry reflects the challenges and camaraderie of small-town life. With one of the first diesel motors in the area and a helping hand from locals, his story adds a colourful chapter to the sawmilling history of Durundur.
Listen As
Mr Harris Remembers
Enjoy a special glimpse into the past with this short Audio clip featuring Mr Col Harris as he shares memories and insights from the early days of sawmilling at D’Aguilar.
1950s: Svenson’s Sawmill at Wamuran Johann’s son Kenneth on the left.
Photo courtesy of City of Moreton Bay Ref No: CLPC – P0948
From Mount Mee to Stanmore
The Svenson family arrived in the Woodford district in 1922, operating a dairy farm at Mount Mee. After marrying in 1928, Johann Frederick Svenson tried several occupations—including photography and labouring—before turning to sawmilling. By September 1937, he was operating a small mill at Stanmore.
Short-Lived but Memorable
Though the Stanmore mill only operated for several months and ceased by March 1938, it left a lasting impression. According to local historian Ron Trim, the business faced financial struggles early on, leading to its closure.
The Diesel Motor and the Bush Rescue
Svenson’s mill was one of the first in the area to operate with a diesel motor. When word came that a debt collector was en route to repossess it, locals sprang into action—hiding the engine in the bush while the unsuspecting collector enjoyed a cup of tea at Mrs. Harris’s store in D’Aguilar. Thanks to neighbourly quick thinking, the engine stayed safe, and the collector returned to Brisbane empty-handed.
Wamuran and a New Start
By 1943, Johann had set up a new sawmill on the main road at Wamuran, on the site where the school oval stands today. This mill operated well into the 1950s, with Johann’s son Kenneth joining the operation. These years marked a more stable chapter in Svenson’s sawmilling story.
1950s: Svenson’s Sawmill at Wamuran
Photo courtesy of City of Moreton Bay Ref No: CLPC – P0947
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Address
109 Archer Street, Woodford, Queensland, Australia,
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are held on the 3rd Sunday of
each month from 7am to noon.