Lumber,
the industry that built the Chippewa Valley

Heavily-wooded Wisconsin made and unmade men as they felled its trees. 

Winter was logging season, frozen ground making downed trees transportable via horsepower.

It was a rough life, but a few rose through ingenuity, hard work, and sometimes assistance from other well-established men. ​

They became known as barons. Rich  owners of the lumber industry, these men were not indestructible. ​

Enter 'The Lumber Baron'

Barons could be unmade by poor investments or markets, or soar to leave a legacy.

Daniel Rimsdale's family is heir to the hard work of his grandfather. A self-made man, he'd made his fortune not in the blink of an eye, but through years of wise and hard-won work. Then the mantle of responsibility unexpectedly falls to Daniel, Jr. and he must make a crucial decision. Does he follow his formerly-chosen career path, or give it up to help his family? And after that first hurdle, what do you do when you discover the empire you thought was secure is crumbling around you? Daniel, Jr. makes a pivotal choice that will hurdle him into the heart of the lumber industry and the schemes that swirl around his family.

And who we are in this heyday world...

Daniel Rimsdale, Jr.
Haunted by insecurities, Daniel, Jr. finds himself thrust into the barons' world. Navigating his own dreams and the fallen ones of his family challenges him to re-evaluate who he trusts. As circumstances twist onto an unexpected course, he must wrestle with his own identity in addition to his real-life adversaries.

Adeline Rimsdale
If life were a flower, Adeline would be the butterfly sipping delightedly away at its sweetness. Vibrant and expressive, her seemingly care-free life is roughly interrupted when fortunes fail. As her brother Daniel, Jr. struggles with his new mantle, she must plumb the depths of her own character.

Byron Lynch
Honey-tongued and well aware of his abilities, Byron woos Adeline. As her family fortunes become public, he must choose between Adeline and richer prospects elsewhere. As his own family seeks to influence his behavior, Byron makes a decision that floors the Rimsdale family.

Priscilla Lynch
Knowing her own mind and reaching for her own goals, Byron's sister Priscilla sets her sights on Daniel Rimsdale, Jr. While general impatience with others taxes somewhat on societal niceties, Priscilla's station and connections allow her access to the places and people she aspires to join.

​Claudia Lynch
Wife of Silas and mother to Byron and Priscilla, Claudia knows her rank and is unafraid to capitalize on it. Being a baron's wife affords pride, and perhaps a little prejudice against those who have not attained similar heights. Her regularity in the Rimsdale's social circle affords ample opportunity to showcase her own prestige.

Silas Lynch
Being a baron. Silas's stratagems for maintaining and increasing that wealth may sometimes seem crafty, but it cannot be denied that his methods have afforded him prosperity and power, while the Rimsdale's outlook has declined. To what lengths Silas is willing to go to further increase his investments remains to be seen. What can be known is that his agenda will influence his family and ultimately affect all those he comes in contact with.

Mike Doyles
Foreman of the Rimsdale Lumber Company, Mike reveals himself to be a rather harsh taskmaster. As everyone else, Mike seeks to upgrade his fortunes. When his chosen shady outlets are scrutinized, Mike realizes a dilemma is on the line. Will his loyalty lie with the green Daniel, Jr., or elsewhere?