Our History

4 snavely generation — Four generations of Snavelys (J. William, W. Thomas, Jesse C., and Jesse Jr.)

J.C. Snavely & Sons, Inc. is a full service, family-owned lumber, building materials, and millwork supplier spanning five generations. We have been serving professional builders, contractors, and remodelers since 1878. What we are today reflects our family’s heritage and our commitment to quality products, fine craftsmanship, and outstanding customer service. Here’s a look at where we’ve been through the years…

1st Generation

1878

Moses Snavely purchases the Osceola Mill in Paradise Township. This is the true date of the formation of the Snavely enterprises.

1894

Moses sold the mill and property to his son Jesse C. for $12,000.

2nd Generation

1916

J. C. Snavely sold Osceola Mill. One month later he purchased the lumber, coal and feed business in Landisville—our current location. His son Elmer joined him. This was the start of a partnership under the name J. C. Snavely & Son.

1917

J.C. Snavely employed five men. Delivery equipment included a one-horse delivery wagon and a two-horse coal team.

1918

A greater emphasis was placed on lumber and building materials.

1919

A first in Lancaster County, the first Douglas Fir timber barn was sold and erected.

Late 1930’s

Plans were underway for a mill to manufacture architectural millwork products. A new retail hardware store was created, adding considerable sales volume.

3rd Generation

1933

Jesse Snavely Jr. takes over management of the company.

1935

Snavely’s joins 35 original stockholders in forming Lumbermen’s Merchandising Corporation (LMC), a buying co-op that helped revolutionize the lumber industry.

1937

There was a fire on June 20th. Damage was confined to the lumber shed and garage. It was the first fire in the company’s 70-year history.

4th Generation

1947-1949

Jesse’s sons Bill, Jim and Jere join the company. The company is officially renamed J.C. Snavely & Sons, Inc.

1950

Snavely’s purchased Lancaster Box and Shook Co. and acquired the painting business of Milton Mowrer.

1951

March 30—disaster strikes again—a fire sweeps through the entire southern portion of the lumber yard.

1952

The formation of new corporation—Snavely Silo Sales, Inc., located in Frederick, MD.

1954

The coal and feed businesses are sold, making more room for lumber and building material storage.

1961

The first Hi-lift truck was purchased. Giving us the ability to lift material to second stories and roofs.

1969

landisville office and showroom
Purchase of Landisville Foundry Co., making way for new truss and door shop.

1972

J.C. Snavely purchased the former BB Martin Lumber Co. and moves Millwork division to Lancaster.

1978

J. C. Snavely & Sons celebrates 100 years in business.

1985

Purchase of 10 acres on Hempland Road, Lancaster, PA.

1987

Construction of 50,000-square-foot architectural millwork facility and drywall division.

1989

Lancaster Millwork Building is converted into a 10,000-square-foot contractor store and showroom.

5th Generation

1990

Leadership transitioned to the fifth generation.

1998

Longer reach boom truck is added to fleet.

2002

Purchase of 10.22 acres adjacent to the Landisville yard.

2005

The architectural mill installs a CNC machine and computerized edge bander.

2018

The Lancaster yard was consolidated to Landisville. The Landisville contractor store expanded.