1922. The Lincoln Memorial is dedicated in Washington, D.C. The Hollywood Bowl opens. Betty White is born. And wholesale lumber salesmen meet for drinks in Portland, Oregon.

Meetings in those days were informal affairs and took place at lunch in the Pine Room Men's Grill at Meier & Frank, located downtown. By the 1930s, more formal meetings were taking place, then as now, the first Thursday of every month. As is customary with lumber people, the subjects discussed at these meetings ranged from fact to fiction, but the information was, and is, pertinent to the Industry. As the lumber industry began moving their businesses to the suburbs in the 60s and 70s, it was decided in 1980 to transfer the monthly meeting from Meier & Frank to the Mallory Hotel, where access and parking were more convenient.

When the more formal meetings began, dues were collected, and fines were imposed for various reasons. As the funds grew, a place or purpose for these monies needed to be found. Some surplus funds were donated to local charities. In 1937 it was decided to stage a Christmas Party to bring together wholesalers and producers in a friendly setting. Success was immediate. Consequently, Christmas Parties are held every year.

In 1980, another tradition was added to the Christmas Party: the establishment of the "Lumberperson of the Year."

This Prestigious is annually awarded and recognizes outstanding achievements in the softwood lumber industry by a Lumberperson in the Pacific Northwest.