Marking the impact of the historic Blount Lumber Company

LACONA, NY – Come to Lacona on Saturday, June 30 to celebrate the former Blount Lumber Company. A dedication ceremony for an historic roadside marker begins at 10 a.m. at the past site of the business on DeMott Street, which will highlight the company’s history and importance in Oswego County. A reception will follow at the remodeled Lacona Depot at 11 Park St. The event is free and open to the public.

“The Blount Lumber Company of Lacona was one of the oldest companies in this part of the state,” said Historian Charlene Cole. “Established in 1894, the company employed about 200 people from around northern Oswego County before it closed after nearly a century in business.”

The company was founded by brothers George R. and Andy Blount at a time when the sawmills were in the woods and lumber was shipped to Lacona by wagon and sleigh. There, it was graded and shipped to buyers by rail. In 1897, the first shop was erected where rockers were built and distributed. Over the years, the business also specialized in hardwood flooring, bathinettes, molding, windows and doors, kitchen cabinets and countertops. The company eventually transitioned to the fourth generation of the family before it closed in 1993.

Cole said, “Earlier this year, we submitted an application to the William G. Pomeroy Foundation for its historic roadside marker grant program. We just learned that it has been accepted and the marker has been issued. We’re thrilled to be able to recognize the Blount Lumber Company for its significant role in the economic structure of Oswego County, from providing jobs to hundreds of local residents, to supplying products to companies throughout the Northeast and across the country.”

In 2006, the Williams G. Pomeroy Foundation began its historic roadside marker grant program in an effort to boost local history and promote heritage tourism.

For details about the event, contact Historian Charlene Cole at 315-387-5456 x7 or schistorian@frontiernet.net. For more information about Oswego County’s fascinating heritage, go to www.visitoswegocounty.com.