G.W. Smith Lumber Co., Davidson Countys' oldest lumber & building
materials firm celebrates its 105th Anniversary during 2010.
When Smith Lumber planed its first board foot of lumber in
1905 Lexington had just dedicated the Civil War Veteran's
Statue then located in the center of Main Street, the world's
first movie theater had just opened in Pittsburgh, Pa, Theodore
"Teddy" Roosevelt was president of the United States, and
Albert Einstein had just proposed his theory of relativity,
E=MC2. The company was founded by Griff W. Smith who also
served as chairman of the Davidson County Board of Commissioners
for over 22 years. The business was first established at 310 East Center Street behind Mr. Smith's house, presently
Center Street Pharmacy. At times, Mrs. Smith (Nora) was even
called on to tend the planer. She finally
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convinced Griff to move
the business so she could tend to her own "Yardwork".
In 1921, Griff Smith moved the "original office" to its present
location at 720 West Center Street. The structure was hauled
by wagon across town and set on a new foundation. The old
office now serves as the entrance sign and historical museum
for the present day pro building supply complex.
The business began with the manufacturing and delivery of
lumber for construction with the use of only horse and wagon.
J. Frank Smith, former partner and the son of the founder
recalled "the rocks on Main Street used to make the delivery
wagon joggle as the 'ol horse, Bob, pulled it thu downtown".
From the days of horse and wagon, G.W. Smith Lumber now deploys
a fleet of heavy trucks including booms, forklift mounted,
covered and four wheel drive trucks to insure proper delivery
of materials to professional jobsites. |
The business began with the manufacturing
of framing lumber and now inventories over 4,000 items with
over 120,000 items available upon special order or direct
from the internet. G. W. Smith Lumber is a complete builders
supply which caters to Professional Builders with "everything
for the home from the tree to the key". Recently, the firm
has become more dominant in the finish end of the home with
windows & doors, kitchen-bath cabinets, counter tops, moulding,
and builders' hardware commanding the bulk of sales. Over
739,000,000 board feet of Lumber has been sold since 1905.
Millwork became so important to the business that it started
a separate operation named Smith Millwork at 920 Robbins Street
in 1979. Over 19 years through the able leadership of Ellis
Myers, Smith Millwork outgrew its parent. The operation now
wholesales mouldings,and door parts throughout the Southeast.
Smith Millwork specializes in the manufacture of fine custom
mouldings and presently has over 900 custom knives.
The management of G.W. Smith Lumber Co. has passed through
Four generations. The founder, Griff. W. Smith turned over
the business to his sons Griff Jr., Frank and Bruce in 1940. Soon
after Griff Jr. moved to Reidsville where he operated a building
supply for many years. In 1957 Bruce purchased the business
from Frank who became Lexington's Postmaster General. Bruce
grew the business into a small chain with locations in Mocksville,
Salisbury, and Lexington. Upon Bruces' untimely death in 1966,
his sons Jerry, R.B., Dan, and Steve gained ownership with
Jerry and Dan involved with the management of the company.
In 1985, Dan sold his share of the business to his brothers
and opened his own successful real estate business, Smith
Realty, located at 127 West Center Street. Currently the management
of the company consists of Jerry F. Smith, President of Smith
Companies, Steve Smith, President of G.W. Smith |
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Lumber Co.,Mark Smith,
Vice President and general manager of G.W. Smith Lumber, Ted
Smith, President of Smith Millwork ,RB. Smith, Company Attorney.
Tom Smith, C.P.A., serves as the company's accountant. In
1985, the Smith's established an employee Stock Ownership
plan, therefore, now all employees own stock in the company.
In 1997 the Smith Brothers established the Bruce and Eleanor
Smith charitable foundation that supports many Davidson County
charities and continues the company's policy of community
involvement.
The Smith Companies work as a team to serve the needs of its
customers. "For the past 100 years, our customers have always
been the chairman of our board", states Jerry Smith. G.W.
Smith appreciates the support it has earned from its many
friends and customers over the last four generations and pledges
to prove "There is a material difference" for generations
to come! |
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