(1911-2005)
- Oregon State Representative, 1951-2055.
About Rep. Stewart
Loran LaSells Stewart was born in 1911 in Cottage Grove, Oregon. As a young child, he was not tall, and he acquired the nickname “Stub” when wandering through his father’s logging camps. This nickname followed him throughout his life.
Stewart had an interest in forestry, and he attended the Oregon State Agricultural College (now Oregon State University). He received a degree in logging engineering, and took his experience to a job in the U.S. Forest Service. Stewart paused his career to serve in the U.S. Army during World War II for two years. Upon his return to Oregon, he, along with his brother and brother-in-law, purchased the Bohemia Lumber Co. from Stewart’s father. He became president of the company, and he quickly increased production and employee payroll.
While he was president of Bohemia Lumber Company, Stewart also served three terms in the Oregon House of Representatives. He represented Lane County, and focused on legislation regarding taxation and forestry. His friend, Mark Hatfield, also served in the legislature during the same time. His legacy in the legislature includes advocating for public access to the state’s beaches, and helping to build Oregon’s park system. Stewart’s advocacy for public beach access helped to establish the basis for the 1967 Oregon Beach Bill.
Following his time in the legislature, Stewart served as president of many organizations, including the Timber Operations Council and the National Forest Product Association. In 2005, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department renamed the Washington County State Park in honor of him for his nearly 40 years of volunteer service to the parks department.
– Interview recorded August 24, 2004