Clinton Lumber & Fuel Company

𝐂𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐎𝐍 𝐋𝐔𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 & 𝐅𝐔𝐄𝐋 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐀𝐍𝐘

Clinton Lumber & Fuel Company for years was known as the Barker Lumber Company whose main office was in Delavan, Wisconsin. Barker Lumber Company had yards in several neighboring communities. The Clinton site was originally the Rush Hawkes Lumber Yard (c.1892).

The Rockford Lumber and Fuel Company took over the business in 1944. This company was a Rockford pioneer having started business in 1868 when Rockford was sixteen years old. They too expanded with yards in several northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin communities in which Clinton was one.

The Clinton lumber yard was at the SW corner of Allen and Front Street which later became the location of the Associated Farmers Co-op office & scale in 1966. Some of the lumber sheds were still being used by the co-op.

Foster Inman began his career as manager there in 1931 and terminated his tenure in 1952. Orland (Orlie) Larson followed Mr. Inman, and was with the business until it was closed in 1962. He then went to work for Wolohan Lumber Company in Janesville.

After her high school graduation Mabel Quinn, began working at the lumber yard as bookkeeper and receptionist, remaining there for 30 years until it closed. She became very knowledgeable in all areas of the lumber business. Mabel then worked in the office of the Clinton High School.