Hickman Lumber Company began during the
depression era when Harry Hickman started logging
with a crosscut saw and a team of horses. After
aquiring an engine from a coal company he built a
simple mill from which he produced mostly mine
timbers and blocking for the steel industry. In 1945 a
permanent mill was built in southern Venango
County, PA between Emlenton and Clintonville.
In 1964 Harry’s son Larry joined the company. Larry had graduated
from the National Hardwood Lumber Association Inspection School in
Memphis, Tennesse in 1958 and after working for a lumber broker for
six years came back to work with his father.
Over the years more equipment and property was acquired and in 1981
the company was producing 12-15 m’/day using a circle head rig and
bull-edger. It was at this time that the third generation of the Hickman
family got involved when Larry’s son Dennis began full-time employment
as an inspector. Another circle mill to cut blocking and two Irving Moore dry kilns were added in 1984. Then in that same year a fire totally destroyed the main mill. The next day the company went to two shifts while the new mill was being built. The following years saw more kilns added and timberland acquired. Then in 1989 another fire destroyed the mill and again it was rebuilt better than before.
Today the mill is producing 40 m’/day using one circle head rig feeding a 7’ Filer and Stowell Slant
ban-mill using a .125 kerf and two 48” West Plains horizontal resaw using .083 kerf. Kiln capacity is
now approximately 500,000 board feet. The Hickman Lumber Company owns 7,000 thousand
acres of it’s own land and manages another 6,000 acres for public and private lands with that figure
continuing to
grow.
In 1999 Hickman Lumber became the first company in Pennsylvania to be certified by SmartWood
(Rainforest Alliance)
to the FSC standards. This certification ensures that the wood is identified
when purchased as coming from a well managed forest.
Learn more about our FSC certification...
We offer you world class quality hardwoods, prompt service and delivery,
and now "FSC Certified" product all at a competitive price.
Contact Terry Hunter at 1-800-867-9441 (local 724-867-9441)
thunter@hickmanwoods.com
