The National Lumber story began in 1919 when Alexander Fruman, a carpenter by trade, sensed a growing need for custom-made window and door sashes. This hastened the birth of National Lumber Company and set the stage for the customer-centered business we run today. The first three employees were Alexander and his sons Isadore and Phillip Fruman and they set up shop in the ‘Little Italy’ section of East Baltimore. National Lumber is currently run and operated by a similar team—Arnold (4th generation) and his sons Neal and Kevin.
What else was happening in 1919?
- President Woodrow Wilson held office.
- The dial telephone was introduced to the public by the American Telephone and Telegraph Company.
- The 18th Amendment to the United States Constitution, authorizing Prohibition, went into effect in the United States.
- An act of the United States Congress establishes most of the Grand Canyon as a United States National Park.
- The United States Congress approved the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which would guarantee suffrage to women, and sends it to the U.S. states for ratification.
- Treaty of Versailles was signed and ended World War I.
- In the first major scandal in Major League Baseball, and to this day, the worst, nine players from the Chicago White Sox throw the World Series to the Cincinnati Reds. It is forever known as the Black Sox Scandal with players, such as immortal Shoeless Joe Jackson, banned from the game and Hall of Fame forever.
- Charlie Chaplin began work on The Kid, his first feature film. His co-star would be four-year-old Jackie Coogan.
Since our opening 100 years ago, Baltimore and the surrounding areas have seen a lot of change and development, but one thing that hasn’t changed throughout the years is National Lumber’s dedication to our customers and community. The products on our shelves have evolved, our store location has updated, the faces behind the desks are new—but our old adage remains the same: your great-grandad was a satisfied customer, and you will be too!
How can we help you with your upcoming home improvement? We offer the industry’s best vendors and materials and our experienced staff is ready to apply their know-how to make your project a success. We are proud to have served our wonderful Baltimore community for nearly 100 years— we can’t wait to see where the next 100 takes us.
Contact our team for information about products, services and more!
