For over 100 years, National Lumber has been a cornerstone of Baltimore. We pride ourselves on our history and deep ties to the community, and the incredible companies we’ve been able to partner with throughout our time in business. We’ve been around to see Baltimore, and the world, grow and change. But we’ve kept some keepsakes from the journey along the way. Arnold Fruman, co-owner of National Lumber, was kind enough to take us on a tour through his office. It doubles as a museum to the long and interesting history we have, and the challenges we’ve faced along the way.
A Short History of National Lumber
Our company was initially founded in 1919 as a lumber yard. Our original location was in the heart of Baltimore’s Little Italy neighborhood. If you visit the area today, you can still see a wall decal with our faithful mascot Pop.
Our company was founded by Alexander Fruman. Five generations later, the business is still owned and operated by the Fruman family, today consisting of father Arnold, and his two sons and co-owners, Neal and Kevin. Throughout its history, National Lumber Company has experienced growth and expansion, including acquiring P.M. Womble Lumber Company in 1958. The company has passed through five generations of the Fruman family, from Alexander to Isadore to Leonard to Arnold, Neal, and Kevin. In that time, Baltimore has grown into quite a different place. The items in Arnold’s office show how a building material supply company operated in days gone by.
A Tour of Arnold’s Office
Many of the items displayed in Arnold’s office showcase how business was once conducted. A prized piece is the Dalton adding machine that served as the company’s only piece of office equipment up until 1933.
This adding machine was an essential item to the operations of National Lumber for many years. Arnold’s father would bring it home with him at the end of each day to keep track of the company’s books. While office equipment may have received an upgrade in the years since, this beloved adding machine will always serve as a reminder of what times were like before.
Another iconic call back to the old days, this image depicts how lumber used to be delivered across the city. Before box trucks and moffetts, we had horse-drawn flatbed carts where lumber would be loaded and distributed city-wide.
Throughout the office, there are more iconic and historic items, including one of Isadora’s business cards, a piece of wood from the legendary Wye Oak tree (which was once the largest oak tree in the country), journals of handwritten transactions going back to the 1940s, and more insights into our long history in Baltimore.
Recognition
Filling out the walls of the office are some of the articles that have been written about National Lumber and its legacy in Baltimore over the years. Feature articles from the Baltimore Jewish Times about the business accompany a write-up from the Baltimore Business Journal acknowledging National Lumber as one of Baltimore’s oldest family-owned businesses still in operation today.
Arnold’s office is a time capsule, allowing us to step in and appreciate all of the hard work that’s been done over the years to keep National Lumber as one of Baltimore’s staples. We’re happy to have the privilege today to continue to supply incredible builders across the Baltimore and DC metro areas. If you’re ready to get building your next project, contact the team at National Lumber today.
