John Robin: A Pioneer of Castle Rock's Industrial Expansion

John Robin, born in 1837 on Prince Edward Island, Canada, made a significant mark on Castle Rock, Washington, as one of its earliest and most influential entrepreneurs. Arriving in Washington as a single man on September 15, 1859. Robin's entrepreneurial spirit led him and his son Thomas to establish a small steam shingle mill on the west side of the Cowlitz River, laying the foundation for a legacy that would significantly contribute to the area's economic development.

Early Years and Family Life

In 1865, John Robin married Martha Ellen Stock, and together they had five children: Frederick Ulysses, Mary Eliza Lydia, Thomas Winsor, John Charles, and George Ernest. Robin's family life was deeply intertwined with the burgeoning community of Castle Rock, as he navigated both family and business with a pioneering spirit. (see family photo image below)

The Move that Made History

The strategic decision to move his Cedar shingle mill in 1883 from its original location on a mill pond in the Arkansas Creek watershed to the east bank of the Cowlitz River, near the end of Shintaffer Avenue, marked a pivotal moment in Castle Rock's history. This new location, a mere stone's throw from the railroad, offered unprecedented opportunities for growth. By leveraging the proximity to the Northern Pacific Railroad and the navigable Cowlitz River, Robin's mill could efficiently transport shingles to markets far beyond the local community. On July 4 1885 the first load of shingles were shipped by train to the East.

Impact on Castle Rock

John Robin's foresight in 1885 to start a shingle mill, and then later to ship the mill's first railroad carload of shingles east of the Cascade Mountains was not just a business achievement; it was a catalyst for Castle Rock's economic boom. The mill employed 40 people at its peak. This milestone in the town's history underscored the importance of innovation, transportation, and industry in shaping the community's destiny.