King Spruce, A Novel

"King Spruce" by Holman Day is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the timber industry and its various players, focusing on Dwight Wade, a young man navigating the complexities of love and ambition within the oppressive atmosphere of lumber barons and their influence over the woods and the townspeople. The narrative sets the stage for conflict between Wade and figures of authority, notably John Barrett, the powerful "King Spruce" of the logging world, and the Honorable Pulaski D. Britt, showcasing themes of class struggle, integrity, and human desire. The opening of the novel introduces Dwight Wade as he makes his way to "Castle Cut 'Em," the headquarters of the Umcolcus Lumbering and Log-driving Association. He feels out of place among the rough men waiting to speak to the Honorable John Barrett, who serves as the gatekeeper to futures in logging. As Wade arrives, he becomes privy to the frustrations and policies of the lumber industry, marked by the struggles of the stumpage buyers who compete against one another while desperately seeking to gain favor from Barrett. Wade’s initial encounter with Barrett leads to a tumultuous clash of ideals and ambitions, particularly as Wade expresses desires to involve young men in sustainable forestry practices. As tensions rise, it becomes apparent that Wade's emotional entanglement with Barrett's daughter, Elva, complicates his aspirations, laying the groundwork for the personal and societal conflicts that will unfold throughout the novel.