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History
Carhart Lumber Company, a family owned chain of lumberyards, was originally founded in Wayne, Nebraska in 1921 by brothers, Charles E. and Arthur (Ben) Carhart. Charles and Arthur had previously owned and sold several Nebraska lumberyards in Carroll, Brunswick, Orchard, and Osmond prior to relocating in Wayne, NE. After selling these yards, the brothers purchased the Barrett and Dally Hardware Store in Wayne, which they operated until 1917 when they sold it to L.W. McNatt, Sr. In 1921 they purchased the Phileo & Harrington Lumber Company located at the Wayne yard's current location. John C. and Ralph M., sons of Charles, joined the company in 1925 and 1926, respectively. John managed the Wayne yard. Ralph moved to Randolph and opened a yard in 1927. When Arthur died in 1934, managing interest in the Company was left to Charles, Ralph, and John Carhart.
Roy D. Christensen joined the Company in 1939 as manager of the Pierce yard, and in 1953, was named as the Company's General Manager. Charles V. Carhart joined the Company in 1954; J. David Carhart in 1955; Robert A. Carhart in 1957; Scott B. Carhart in 1984, and John S. Carhart in 2003. The Companies were incorporated in 1936 with Wayne as the corporate headquarters. The Carhart family expanded the business in addition to the Wayne and Randolph yards by purchasing yards in Pierce, Hartington, Plainview, Bloomfield, Neligh, O'Neill, Tilden, Albion, Blair, Norfolk, and North Platte. The yards in Blair, Plainview, and Randolph have since been closed. In 1952, the Company purchased and remodeled the Central Garage building adjacent to the south of the Wayne lumberyard. This facility became the first store with general builders' hardware in addition to traditional lumber, paint, and fencing. Soon after, all Carhart lumberyards converted into stores, which are now considered home centers. Carhart Lumber Companies, over the years, have offered construction, remodeling, and general contracting services. In 1964 the Wayne location added a roof truss facility, which also manufactured wall panels and floor trusses.
In 1959, the Company purchased a 30-acre tract on the northwest edge of Wayne (the Westwood Addition) for housing and development. In 1979, another 18 acres was acquired to the west of this property. In the mid 90s the Company purchased 72 acres along HWY 275 in Norfolk for commercial and residential development. In 1997 Carhart's First and Second Edition were platted. Another 160 acres on the corner of 49th Street and Benjamin Avenue was purchased in 1999 for residential development. Carhart Lumber has been affiliated with Do-It Best (formerly Hardware Wholesalers, Inc.), a cooperative buying group, since 1976, allowing Carhart Lumber to purchase at significant savings, and pass these saving on to its customers.
From left: Scott Carhart, Robert Carhart, Chuck Carhart and John Carhart
Carhart Lumber Company - Corporate Offices |
