A Legacy of Timber: The Story of Holt Lumber Company

Roots of the Family Enterprise

CARBONDALE, Pa. — “Since the 6th grade, pretty much after school, weekends, and you know, back then, there weren’t the kind of rules there are today where you probably couldn’t do that,” said Thomas Wiggins.

For Thomas, working at Holt Lumber Company has been his singular occupation. The business, nestled in Carbondale, boasts a history more ancient than some of the trees they’ve processed.

A Heritage Steeped in Tradition

Founded by Joseph Holt in 1895, the company began with Joseph migrating from Canada through Beach Lake to Carbondale, drawn by the flourishing coal industry. He handed the reins to Art Wiggins Senior, who in turn passed them to Art Wiggins Junior, and eventually to Thomas. The business has been in the capable hands of the family for four generations.

Weathering Challenges and Building Community

The Holt name has withstood numerous challenges, from fires to changes in transportation. Their initial lumber deliveries arrived via trains and horses, a method that harkens back to a different era entirely. Despite these hardships, the sense of community support has been unwavering.

“I really felt the support from everybody,” said Holly Wiggins. “From all over, too, not just from Carbondale, like the neighboring communities. Everybody has come down and supported us.”

Adapting to Serve All

Thanks to a diverse customer base, Holt Lumber Company’s inventory has flourished to serve builders, remodelers, and homeowners alike. “The homeowner, the remodeler, the builder—that mix, you know, if you didn’t have all of that, maybe we wouldn’t be here,” said Thomas. Their ability to cater to a wide array of needs is one of the reasons for their enduring presence.

A Family Atmosphere

Visiting Holt is akin to coming home. “I don’t know, just, you come here like you’re going home,” said Thomas. Holly echoed these sentiments, “It’s part of the family. When somebody walks through the door, they know they’re going to be welcomed as if they’re part of a family.” This warmth is what has kept generations of customers returning.

Commemorating Commitment

A ceremony to honor Holt Lumber Company’s dedication and impact is scheduled for this weekend in Carbondale. With a fresh look and sales marking over a century of achievement, Thomas and Holly remain optimistic about serving the community for many more decades. The future seems as sturdy as their finest oak.

Key Milestones

• 1895: Founded by Joseph Holt.
• 1980s: Survived a devastating fire.
• 2023: Celebrating over 130 years of service.

As day turns to evening, and the sawdust settles, one thing is clear: Holt Lumber Company isn’t merely a business, but a cherished piece of Carbondale’s history.