The History of Perkins Lumber
From The Clarion, December 14, 1977;
“Howard Perkins set out with the intention of becoming a teacher, but changed his mind when he saw how the system was changing. He went to work for an old timber framer, Joe Taylor, for 4 months, then branched out on his own in a part time capacity, while working for his father meanwhile on the farm. The apprenticeship served him well, as the following year he framed nine barns in the Merrickville area.” “In 1935 he started in his own shop in North Gower, a disused chicken house for 5 bucks a month. He said he started small but soon bought premises where he is now. ‘It grew like Topsy,’ he said. “All the while he spoke he reminisced about North Gower businesses that are no more, the blacksmiths, the bakers, the undertakers.”
61 years later, the business continues in the same location. At first, Perkins Lumber milled its own lumber, but the demand became too great, and it now brings in lumber from others, although the mill continues in operation.
When Howard Perkins passed away in 1982, the business passed to his son, Lyle, and Lyle's wife Heather. The business has continued to expand. It is now a part of the Homecare chain.
Perkins Lumber staff are happy to help the home handyman as well as the large contractor. The company sponsors a number local sports teams, and the staff are members of local service clubs, and volunteer firefighters. Don Stephenson is a member of Rideau Council, and the Chair of the Corporate Affairs Committee.
