Curtis Lumber Joins New York Historic Business Registry

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Curtis Lumber has celebrated its induction into New York’s historic business registry after operating in the area for 133 years, according to reporting from the Times Union.

The Saratoga County-based business was presented with a framed proclamation by the New York state Assembly, recognizing it as one of the state’s organizations significantly contributing to the “improvement and well-being of their communities.”

After the ceremony at its flagship store along Route 67, Executive Vice President Kylie Holland expressed gratitude for the award for acknowledging the company’s role in “making history in this area and building the community.”

 “It feels really nice. And everybody should be proud of that too,” said Holland, a sixth-generation family member and co-owner of the business with her father, Jay Curtis.

In 2020, the New York State Historic Business Preservation Registry was established by state officials to honor and promote longstanding businesses. State law allows up to 10 nominations per term by New York Senate and Assembly members, as well as by the governor and lieutenant governor. To be considered for the registry, a business must have operated for a minimum of 50 years.

Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh, a Ballston Republican, nominated Curtis Lumber for the registry and presented the award at Monday’s event. In an interview, she highlighted how many homes in the area, including her own, were built using products from the store.

 “They have quite literally built the community that I represent,” said Walsh, who last year nominated Stewart’s Shops, a convenience store chain also based in Saratoga County. “It’s an alternative to big box stores. It’s locally run, locally owned.”

She pointed to the business’s support for nonprofits such as the Eagle Scouts, The Ballston Spa Rotary Club, and Arts & Science Creating Community, known for hosting Ballston Spa’s Birdhouse Program. She also touted PetAPalooza, a one-day event hosted by the company for shelter and rescue pets available for adoption.

Curtis Lumber joins 17 Capital Region businesses in the registry, including two others from Saratoga County. It employs about 700 people across 23 locations in upstate New York and northern Vermont. The business began in 1890 when Elmer A. Curtis purchased a sawmill on Ballston Spa’s Charleston Road. It has operated from its main location at 885 NY-67 since 1976.

 Looking ahead, Holland, the co-owner, said the company is working to sell its products online.

“We know it’s the way of the world, we know it’s something we need to get into,” Holland said. “We’re certainly having conversations about the best way to go about how to make that happen, and trying to do it as quickly as possible.”

 Courtesy: www.lbmjournal.com