[Wikipedia] Wood Uses: The wood of Oregon ash compares favorably to the valuable lumber of eastern ashes, but it is seldom used for hardwood products because of its limited availability and distribution. The Cowlitz Indian Tribe used its wood for canoe paddles and digging sticks.[7] Europeans, and later European Americans, have long preferred similar species of ash for comparable purposes such as tool handles and sports equipment.[4] The light color of the wood is somewhat lustrous, hard, strong, stiff, high in shock resistance, flexible, workable with machines, and wears smooth with use. (link added by Mary Ann Machi)