In 1977, Whaley’s Lumber made some changes in their retail operations.

    

Whaley Lumber and Construction Company, Inc. is phasing out its retail building materials operations, according to Alex Whaley, president.  The last day of operation for the retail phase of the operation will be August 31.

     Whaley Lumber has been in the retail building materials business for the past 40 years, and the phase-out of this part of the operation is being undertaken to allow expansion of the commercial construction and ready-mix concrete operation.  Manufacture and installation of cabinets and specialty millwork will also continue, according to Whaley.

     The firm was first organized in the late 1920s by L. E. Whaley and Alex Brantley, who operated the business as a partnership.  The present name and structure of operation began in 1947 when the firm was incorporated under the name of Whaley Lumber and Construction Company, Inc.

     In its early days, the firm took raw products (trees) and carried them from this stage through dressed lumber and into materials for building, which they then installed.  The retail part of the operation was begun in the mid 1930’s with W. E. Thomas in charge of operation.  Windley Tatom took over the operation of the retail phase in the 1940s and has maintained this position since.

     Tatom commented that at the outset, most building materials from foundation to roof were of wood but that progress had brought different types of materials which can now be used.  He said that the trade area and volume of business have continued to increase over the years.

     Whaley commented that no employees are being dismissed but are being transferred to other phases of the operation.  In announcing the change, Whaley said the building now occupied by the retail firm will become office space.  The cabinet shop will be handled by Thad Courson, Ready Mix Concrete by Chris Hinton, Office operation by Tatom, reroofing and remodeling by Marvin Puth, and Commercial construction by Whaley.

     “We would like to thank our customers for many years of patronage and hope they will continue to trade with us in other phases of our operation,” Whaley commented.  “Operation of Whaley Lumber and Construction Company will continue uninterrupted from the present location on Madison Street.”

     All of these articles can be found in previous editions of The Troy Messenger.  Stay tuned for more.  Dianne Smith is the President of the Pike County Historical, Genealogical, and Preservation Society.