Johnson Lumber Company

The History of Johnson Lumber

Arnold Johnson logged 40 acres of prime white pine and hardwoods near his home in the winter of 1930-31. He was offered $25 per thousand for the 40,000 board feet of logs, but decided to saw and pile the lumber thinking the boards would soon be worth more. However, the Great Depression made its JLC - 1965 way to the Midwest and suddenly there was no market for lumber. Over the next year Arnold had to accept $17 per thousand for the dried lumber to pay the bills. It was Arnold's first large venture in the lumber business -- fortunately most have turned out better in the years that followed.

Log sales gave way to the selling of rough lumber. By 1942, Arnold was in the lumber business full-time. In 1946, he bought his first planer to manufacture shiplap, drop siding, and other pattern stock. Business was good in the years that followed World War II and Johnson Lumber, located at the Johnson home site two miles north of Highway 70, near Falun, grew.

Plywood and Builtrite began to replace board sheathing by the late 50's. In addition to these products, it became necessary to offer shingles and millwork to compete in the retail lumber market. By this time there was another lumberyard in Falun and as many as four in Siren.

JLC - 1002 In 1976, Arnold formed a partnership with his youngest son, Karl. It was truly a family business as Arnold's wife Ruth was bookkeeper until 1984 when next door neighbor, Carol Kyle shared bookkeeping duties with Ruth. The business continued to grow from five employees in 1980 to more than a dozen by 2000.

In 1996, the partnership between Arnold and Karl became a corporation, Johnson Lumber Company, Inc. Shortly thereafter, a former employee, Mark Buley, became part owner, and today Karl is President/Treasurer and Mark is Vice President/Secretary.

In 2002, Johnson Lumber relocated to its present location on State Rd 70 in Falun, making it much easier to find and more convenient for customers and employees in a modern expanded facility. Six buildings include 5,000 square feet of retail space and more than 20,000 square feet of storage under roof. With eight delivery trucks, a boom truck and three forklifts, we can deliver any building materials to jobsites quickly and safely. Please stop in. We are always happy to show you around

10350 State Road 70, Siren, WI 54872 715-689-3400 Fax# 715-689-3404

Johnson Lumber Company Building Solutions
	The History of Johnson Lumber Arnold Johnson logged 40 acres of prime white pine and hardwoods near his home in the winter of 1930-31. He was offered $25 per thousand for the 40,000 board feet of logs, but decided to saw and pile the lumber thinking the boards would soon be worth more. However, the Great Depression made its way to the Midwest and suddenly there was no market for lumber. Over the next year Arnold had to accept $17 per thousand for the dried lumber to pay the bills. It was Arnold's first large venture in the lumber business -- fortunately most have turned out better in the years that followed. Log sales gave way to the selling of rough lumber. By 1942, Arnold was in the lumber business full-time. In 1946, he bought his first planer to manufacture shiplap, drop siding, and other pattern stock. Business was good in the years that followed World War II and Johnson Lumber, located at the Johnson home site two miles north of Highway 70, near Falun, grew. Plywood and Builtrite began to replace board sheathing by the late 50's. In addition to these products, it became necessary to offer shingles and millwork to compete in the retail lumber market. By this time there was another lumberyard in Falun and as many as four in Siren. In 1976, Arnold formed a partnership with his youngest son, Karl. It was truly a family business as Arnold's wife Ruth was bookkeeper until 1984 when next door neighbor, Carol Kyle shared bookkeeping duties with Ruth. The business continued to grow from five employees in 1980 to more than a dozen by 2000. In 1996, the partnership between Arnold and Karl became a corporation, Johnson Lumber Company, Inc. Shortly thereafter, a former employee, Mark Buley, became part owner, and today Karl is President/Treasurer and Mark is Vice President/Secretary. In 2002, Johnson Lumber relocated to its present location on State Rd 70 in Falun, making it much easier to find and more convenient for customers and employees in a modern expanded facility. Six buildings include 5,000 square feet of retail space and more than 20,000 square feet of storage under roof. With eight delivery trucks, a boom truck and three forklifts, we can deliver any building materials to jobsites quickly and safely. Please stop in. We are always happy to show you around 10350 State Road 70, Siren, WI 54872 715-689-3400 Fax# 715-689-3404