Historic Local Business Has New Owner

Browne’s Home Center – Contributed Photo

On August 1, Browne’s Home Center was sold. The new owners, TAL Holdings LLC dba Tum-A-Lum Lumber, are a fourth generation family-owned Northwest company founded in 1906. There will be a Contractors Meet & Greet at the Grange on Tuesday, Aug 15 at 5pm.

Browne’s Home Center, originally “Davis Lumber” was founded by Captain Herbert H. Davis, in 1920 and was located on Friday Harbor’s waterfront. The business changed hands several times before brothers Bob and Joe Brown purchased it in 1945 renaming it “Brown Lumber”.

Browne Lumber Logo – Contributed Photo

The business as most locals know it today began when newlyweds Jim and Inez Browne purchased it in 1947. They renamed it “Browne’s Building Supply”. Jim and Inez worked hard running a growing business while raising a family and staying active in the community. Jim served 3 terms as mayor of Friday Harbor. In 1965 the business moved up Spring Street to the site of the old Dairymen’s Association building. Sons Rob and Terry were running the business in the 1990s when their father retired. Inez continued to work crediting her a long and healthy life to her career.

In 2000 the still growing business moved once again to its current location on Mullis street where it was renamed “Browne’s Home Center” now employing over 50 people. The new owners have a legacy to live up to. Deciding to keep the name is a good start.

From the professional trade journal LBM Journal…

“Vancouver, Wash.– TAL Holdings, a seven-store chain of retail building material centers in Oregon and Washington, has reached an agreement to acquire Browne Lumber Inc. in Friday Harbor, Wash.

“We are very excited to join forces with Browne Lumber Inc. They are the top supplier of building materials and hardware in the San Juan Islands. Because of their very strong brand recognition, they will continue to operate under the name of Browne’s Home Center, a division of TAL Holdings, LLC. Browne’s is a great fit for our organization,” said M. David Dittmer, CEO of TAL Holdings, and LLC.

Browne’s has a full-line lumberyard and home center as well as a lawn and garden center – including live goods. “We are anxious to expand our footprint into this growing market,” Dittmer said.

Jim and Inez Browne founded Browne Lumber Inc. in 1947 in Friday Harbor, Wash. Their business grew and in 1965, the Browne’s move to a larger facility.  Outgrowing their location again, the Browne’s relocated to their current 5-acre site with a 16,000 square foot show room in 2000. “Browne’s was founded on the same basic business values as all seven of our locations—building honest, fair and ethical relationships with our customers,” Dittmer said.

“Browne’s Home Center has a strong, experienced employee group. Their years of experience in our industry make their location the place to go for building solutions,” said Dittmer.

Celebrating 111 years in business, TAL Holdings LLC dba Tum-A-Lum Lumber was founded in 1906 by J.M. Crawford and is a fourth generation family-owned building material supply company. TAL operates seven locations: Hood River, The Dalles and Pendleton, Oregon and Leavenworth, Wenatchee, Chelan and Cle Elum, Washington.”

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