For over 100 years East End Lumber has been a staple in the city, providing materials for contractors and the do-it-yourself handyman, alike.
"We like to think that we can offer competitive prices and quality products," said Ruth Croyle, president of the company.
From what Croyle was able to find, the company started in 1905 as a lumber and coal business at 904 E. 3rd Street. In the 1920s the business was then sold to George Harris when he brought in a home-improvement aspect to it - adding tools and other accessories to the store.
In the 1950s Harris' sons - Ed and George Jr. - took over for their father. Ruth's future husband, Tom, also began working in the store as a high school and college student in the 1960s.
During this time, the business also moved to its current location of 544 E. 3rd street.
After graduation from Lycoming College, Tom decided to come back to the store and then took over management in the 1980s as the Harris family had no one who wanted to do so.
"During that time he really tried to grow and enlarge the home-improvement aspect," Croyle said.
The store added doors, windows and other tools to its inventory.
"We also have our construction crew," she said. "It's a start- to- finish process."
Now over 100 years after first opening its doors to the public, and about five years after the death of Tom, Croyle and East End Lumber look to provide the same loyal service to the area and its customers.
"(I want to) hopefully manage the business the way my husband would," Croyle said.
Though she was involved in the company in a part-time role before her husband's death, Croyle said it's the employees that helped her transition to her new position.
"It's been very helpful to have employees who are very loyal," she said.
The store, Croyle said, has become a different business than the one that started in 1905 with the hard work of each owner. She said they often tell the public it's "not just a lumber company" despite the name of the business.
But the fact that East End Lumber has stayed in the east end, is something that has served it well.
"I think it's important that we've stayed in the east end," Croyle said.
The name is still important too, as Croyle said it keeps the city's history fresh in customers' minds.
"The name brings to mind a whole different era," Croyle said.
She said being in the same area allows the company to get to know the customer: "You can't replace customer loyalty."
"We're small enough to know your name," Croyle added.
Croyle said the company isn't stuck in the 1900s either. East End Lumber plans to unveil a new website later this year.
But through the changes, Croyle said the area can count on East End Lumber to be around.
"We're not here and gone tomorrow - we've been here for over 100 years," she said.
