By Jean Sealey
Special to Realty/Builder Connection
Jacksonville’s oldest lumber yard opened for business in 1902 as Carolina Portland Cement Company. The name was changed in 1946 by the current owner’s grandfather Robert Morris 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,” Nottingham said. “I came on board fulltime June 2, 1975.”
The history of the lumberyard is the history of Nottingham’s family.
“My grandfather Robert Morris started here in 1926,” Nottingham said. “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, a Bronze Star and a 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. Judge was 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,” Judge said. “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.”
Judge 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 in to check on everything occasionally.
Judge said in spite of changes in the industry, he strives to maintain the traits that made Carolina Lumber successful through the years. As a provider for many area builders, Carolina Lumber has long been a member of the Northeast Florida Builders Association. The company is a major supporter of the association’s 60th anniversary.
“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.
Judge 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, as well as 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 Judge’s employees has been with the company longer than he has. Driver Harold Delafield joined Carolina Lumber in January 1973.
“Our employees are the backbone of this company,” Judge said. “Everyone here understands why we are here, and they are willing to give the customers personal attention.”
Judge says everyone in this small company from Vice President Robert Mangum on down pitches in to do whatever needs to be done. And that is another unique aspect of his company, Judge said.
The lumberyard and warehouse occupy about 12 acres. The company serves a five-county area.
“We’re not the largest in town,” Judge said. “We are the oldest, though, and that staying power says a lot about the service we provide our customers.”