Welcome to Ferguson Lumber Do it Best.

The Ferguson Lumber Corporation has been one of the leading businesses in Parke County for over 141 years. It is the oldest active family retail lumber companies operating in the state of Indiana. In its original location, Ferguson Lumber has maintained its family roots, now in its fifth generation, with numerous State and Trade awards having been bestowed.

In 1868 Solon Ferguson, father of Walter and Will Ferguson, moved from East St. Louis, Illinois, and established a sawmill. Solon was killed in a boiler sawmill explosion and destruction of the mill by fire in 1897. However, the business continued to grow through the efforts of his sons, Will and Walter. In 1937 a partnership was formed consisting of Will and Walter Ferguson and Brooks Collings, who had began working for the company in 1910 following his marriage to Will's daughter, Mary Frank.

The business prospered under Brooks Collings management and survived another disastrous fire in the summer of 1952. A few years before the fire, Brook’s sons Paul and Dick joined the firm. Following the death of Brooks in 1966, Paul took charge as President and led the company until his untimely death in 1970. Brother Dick assumed the role of President and his son Joe joined the company in 1973.

Several corporate mottos began to find themselves within the sacred walls, but the one most often found was that of "service" being the utmost importance to those of West Central Indiana. This service could be found in all lines of building materials. From commodity to hardware, Ferguson Lumber found itself providing what was needed with professional advice for its intended use. We pride ourselves in providing that same service today.

In the year 2000, the corporation lost Dick Collings and Joe was asked to assume the role of President of the business. The expansion to the Veedersburg facility, a full service lumber yard and hardware facility was made possible. In 2002 we also moved into Hendricks County serving the Plainfield community with its hardware needs. 2004 presented yet another expansion in the area with the opening of the newest store, Ferguson Do it Best Hardware in Danville.

Our newest project is to relocate the original Ferguson Lumber facility to just north of Rockville on US 41; this move is to provide the community with the feel of a large home center but the same hometown service. We will expand our hardware, paint, plumbing and electrical lines, more building products, provide better parking facilities and expanded hours. The projected opening is in the fall of 2010.

The success of the company has been due to the principle that they have always taken a genuine interest in the customer. This principle will continue to be the major focus in the future.

Joseph R. Collings.
jcollings@fergusonlumber.com