Hughes Brothers Lumber

The Hughes Brothers Lumber company was an important lumber yard in Bloomington in the early 20th century. It was established in 1882 by Captain W. B. Hughes on a lot on east 4th Street, near the Monon Railroad.

Captain Hughes had been an officer in the Civil War, and later, engaged in the transfer business with his brother, David Hughes. Captain Hughes sold half of the transfer business to establish the lumber company.

In 1894, David Hughes became a partner in the company, and 13 years later, his son Lewis W. Hughes also entered the business. Captain Hughes had died in 1899.

By 1931, David, Lewis, and Captain Hughes' wife Harriet Hughes had all passed away. Control of the company went to descendants of the Hughes, including Elsa Gilham, R.G. Miller, Lewis' wife, who had become Mrs. Homer Woollery. Irvin Taylor also purchased much of the company and ran it for many years. In 1943 Cecil Harlos purchased the company, which by that time included lots and buildings on south College Avenue as well as near the railroad. He had been employed by the company as well as by the Fulwider Lumber Company. [{Category:Local Businesses]]