Ardenvoir, Washington — Mill Moved and the Town Followed

Ardenvoir began as a sawmill community in the Entiat Valley around 1919.

C. A. Harris named it for his son Arden.

Timber determined more than the economy. When nearby supplies became less convenient, the mill moved several miles down the valley in 1931.

The store and post office followed.

In effect, Ardenvoir changed address because its sawmill did.

The mill eventually closed around 1980, and many institutions associated with the timber economy disappeared.

The population did not.

Families remained scattered through the valley, preserving a community after the industry that had physically moved it was gone.

Ardenvoir is not an abandoned company town.

The company left first.