Historic McKinley Stump in Chehalis gets replacement

CHEHALIS — A replacement for the McKinley Stump, on which one U.S. president and a future U.S. president once delivered speeches, has arrived at the Lewis County Historical Museum.

The new stump, like the old one about 6 feet high, was donated by Weyerhaeuser Co. from a land near Tenino and was cut and delivered Thursday by A-1 Timber. Without counting the rings, A-1 owner Tom Loushin estimated the tree was 500 to 750 years old.

A pagoda that surrounded and covered the old stump for more than 100 years will be added to the replica display later this year after undergoing repairs, Lewis County Historical Society board member Bob McDole said.

A 12- to 14-inch slab cut from the top will also be placed on display, McDole said, adding, “It’s a great piece of wood.”