Fritz Lumber Co. in Berwyn to close doors after operating for a century and a half years

BRISTOL (Scrap Monster): The oldest Berwyn business-Fritz Lumber Co. is to close its doors after serving the community for almost a century and a half. The business, in operation for 153 years will be taken over by Eadeh Enterprises. The facility is expected to remain open until all inventories are sold.

History

The William H. Fritz Lumber Company was opened in 1863 in the hometown community of Reeseville, known today as Berwyn. It was initially opened as a lumber and coal business. Much of the business came from sale of coal. The company had supply contracts with homeowners and schools. The 2-acre site was mainly used as a storage area for loads of coal that arrived by train. In addition, the business also sold cattle feed

The business had faced extremely difficult times when William H. Fritz Sr. died in 1983, leaving the business to William H. Fritz Jr., who had then been in the wholesale white pine broking business. When Fritz Jr. died in 1941, his widow Marion took charge of the business with the help of her son Bill Fritz and daughter Jean, under assistance of a few loyal employees.

Sale of business

In a letter written to the Easttown Board of Supervisors, Howard Fritz, the present owner of the business noted that Owner William “Bill” H. Fritz III, in his age of 87, would like to retire. Howard also noted that he and his wife Roberta has health issues, which make them unable to run the company. Howard’s two adult children are not interested in continuing the business. Consequently, the company has reached a sale agreement with Berwyn-based Eadeh Enterprises.

Painful decision

Commenting on the decision to sell the mill, Howard stated that it had been a long and painful one, especially to close a business that had been in operation since the civil war. He thanked the community and the Easttown Township for their support all through these years. Meantime, the community noted that the company had been an active participant of several community initiatives and had played a key role in the starting of many institutions in the area including Berwyn National Bank, Berwyn Presbyterian Church and the Berwyn Fire Company.

Redevelopment plans

According to Howard, the property is under contract to be sold to new owners, Eadeh Enterprises. The company is currently in efforts to sell its inventory, which is expected to be completed by end-August this year. Eadeh will carry out redevelopment at the property in conformance with the new zoning requirements. Incidentally, there are eight buildings on the site. Eadeh is yet to announce its redevelopment plans for the property.

About Fritz Lumber Company

According to company website, Fritz Lumber Co is Berwyn’s oldest lumber yard, serving Berwyn, Pennsylvania and the Delaware valley for 150+ years. As a full-service lumber yard, it provides deliveries, special orders, cutting and referrals for superior-grade lumber materials. The company has also received prestigious award for contributions to Habitat and Humanity. It currently has seven employees.

About Eadeh Enterprises

Eadeh Enterprises owns and manages a balanced portfolio of more than 100 properties, comprised of retail, office, flex-space and apartments, primarily along the Main Line and in the surrounding suburban Philadelphia counties, but also including vacation rentals and investment properties in Key West, Florida.