Special to the Daily Record
The history of Jacksonville’s oldest lumber yard mirrors the history of the Nottingham family.
Opened in 1902 as Carolina Portland Cement Company, the name was changed in 1946 by the current owner’s grandfather to Carolina Lumber Co., reflecting a shift in market demand.
L.S. “Judge” Nottingham III, the current owner, grew up in the business at 575 Phelps St.
“I started working summers when I was about 12,” said Nottingham. “I came on board full-time June 2, 1975. My grandfather, Robert Morris, started here in 1926. The first day he was here, the warehouse burned to the ground.”
In spite of an ominous beginning, Morris worked his way up to manager of the branch, and when the company gave him the opportunity to buy the business in 1946, he did.
Nottingham’s father returned to Jacksonville to work in the family business after serving in the Army in World War II. A decorated veteran with a Purple Heart, Bronze Star and Silver Star to his credit, he married the daughter of Robert Morris, then a student at Randolph Macon. Nottingham II attended Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Va.
VMI has played a key role in the family’s educational pursuits. Nottingham was the third generation to attend VMI, graduating in 1974. Now his son, Chris, 20, is planning to transfer there. Another son, Alex, 22, attends Florida State University.
“VMI teaches you to handle anything,” said Nottingham. “We were taught to be good citizen soldiers, and our training prepared us for anything life can throw at you. The honor system provided a good basis for conducting business.”
Nottingham has been the president of Carolina Lumber since 1989 and the sole proprietor for the past eight years. His father has officially retired, but still stops by to visit.
Nottingham says he strives to maintain the traits that made Carolina Lumber successful through the years.
“We sell everything here,” he said. “In addition to lumber, we have a door shop and a millwork shop. We give our customers the best service possible along with all the building materials they need. One of our mottos is ‘Buy best — build better.’ “
Carolina Lumber carries building materials, historical sidings and trim, moldings, doors and windows.
Nottingham said Carolina Lumber is unique in its ability to transition from local and national builders to an individual homeowner and meet the needs of all.
“We cater to the smallest needs and can meet the needs of production builders,” he said. “Service and pricing are the keys to our success.”
The renewed interest in restoring homes in historical districts and building new homes that replicate the look of the older ones has been good for business, he said.
“People are looking for molding and other architectural elements, and we can help,” he said. “Whether it’s molding for a historical restoration or lumber for framing a new home, we can respond quickly. We’re small enough to be adaptable to our customers’ needs.”
The small size also fosters a feeling of family within the company. One of the employees, driver Harold Delafield, joined Carolina Lumber in January 1973.
“Our employees are the backbone of this company,” said Nottingham. “Everyone here understands why we are here, and they are willing to give the customers personal attention.”
Everyone in this small company pitches in to do whatever needs to be done. And that is another unique aspect of his company, Nottingham said.
The lumberyard and warehouse occupy about 12 acres. The company serves a five-county area.
“We’re not the largest in town,” said Nottingham. “We are the oldest, though, and that staying power says a lot about the service we provide our customers.”