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The City of Vader lies nestled in the hills, surrounded by lush forests, clear streams and stunning views of Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Rainer
Originally named Little Falls, the community traces its history back to the arrival of the railroad in the 1870’s.
The town boomed between 1906 and 1912 and was said to be the largest city between Tacoma and Portland.
Primary employers were the Little Falls Fire Clay Company and the Stillwater Logging Company. The town had four hotels, an opera house, hospital, city band, many stores, and five saloons.
Robert Cantwell, editor of Time, Newsweek, and Sports Illustrated magazines and author of several books about the Pacific Northwest was born in Vader and traced his roots to the original founders.
Vader was also the birthplace of famous Hollywood character actor Herbert Heyes whose movie credits stretch back into the silent era. His better known films include: Love is a Many Splendored Thing”, “The Seven Little Foys” and “A Place in the Sun”.
Disaster struck in 1914 when the Stillwater Logging Company was sold and shut down. Soon after, the mill as well as the Little Falls Fire Clay Company burned to the ground leaving many townspeople unemployed. The Great Depression added the final blow and Vader faced a hopeless situation. Although never proved, many desperate townspeople insured their homes and then burned them to the ground. The town declined rapidly and became a ghost town.
Today about 625 people live in Vader and only a few of the original buildings remain. Those still standing include the old jailhouse, the country style Methodist church, and several Victorian style houses. One of these houses is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its present owners have beautifully restored this house, built by lumber baron Ben Olson.