Smith Lumber Company Celebrates 100th Anniversary with Community Event
Smith Lumber Company, a member of The Hardware Connection Century Club based in Valley City, N.D., celebrated a century of business by hosting a weeklong, community event last week, June 12-26. The 100th anniversary celebration event featured a vendor cookoff, live entertainment and special savings opportunities.
On Thursday, Smith Lumber hosted complementary community games, as well as their 2nd Annual Vendor Cookoff. Community members were able to purchase cookoff tickets for $5 to sample and vote for their favorite dishes from participating vendors. All proceeds benefited Sheyenne Valley Friends of Animals and Barnes Country Food Pantry. Big Hammer Music Entertainment and Greg Hager provided live entertainment during the event.
Throughout the week, shoppers enjoyed special savings opportunities. They were able to purchase a reusable shopping bag for $5 and receive 15 percent off anything that fit in the bag (with some exclusion).
“We’re humbled by the impressive turnout throughout the week,” said Owner Tim Durheim. “We sincerely appreciate everyone who came to show their support and celebrate 100 years with us.”
The business dates back to 1923 when Ben Grotte opened a distribution business downtown to serve the area’s coal needs. By the early 1950s, Grotte had sold the business to Jake Smith, who operated Smith Lumber Company until the mid-1960s, when he sold it to the Wright family.
The Wright Family ushered the business through its first evolution into a dedicated lumber and building material supplier, catering to pro contractors. In 2014, Durheim purchased Smith Lumber Company, and grew the business to include hardware and home improvement supplies, rental tools and equipment, live plants and gardening supplies, and more.
Momentum from this second evolution steadily increased, and Durheim and the team completed an 11,000-square-foot expansion project in March 2022, allowing them to add retail items like work clothes, farm and ranch supplies, kitchen and plumbing supplies, housewares, and toys and games. Today, Smith Lumber Company serves pro contractors and DIYers alike with a one-stop shopping experience.
“I’m energized by our continued growth, and I look forward to serving the Valley City community for years to come,” said Durheim.
Smith Lumber Company is a member-owner of Do it Best. For more information, visit www.smithlumbercompany.com.
