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. | 
Johnson Lumber in 1965 |
| 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, looking to escape the six-day work weeks, formed a
partnership with his son, Karl.
In 2002, Johnson Lumber relocated from Shearman Road to Highway 70 in Falun, making it much easier to find and more convenient for customers.
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Johnson Lumber is located on the eastern edge of Falun. |
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