CARBONDALE — Tom Wiggins grew up around Holt Lumber and decades later continues to oversee the operation.
A fourth-generation owner, Wiggins, 56, began helping out around the Belmont Street store in sixth grade and gradually became more ingrained in the 130-year-old business — from stocking shelves after school to working in the warehouse and lumberyard and making deliveries.
“I took over more and more of my father’s responsibilities,” he said.
Now, Wiggins’ son, Thomas “T.J.,” is following in his footsteps.
A recent Carbondale Area High School graduate, T.J. Wiggins plans to continue carpentry and cabinetmaking studies at Johnson College while helping out at Holt Lumber.
“He comes down here and is learning different aspects of the business, just like how my husband had to learn everything,” co-owner Holly Wiggins said. “He’s starting to learn from the inside and then he’ll work outside. We’re hoping he’ll take it over one day.”
The Wigginses also have two other children, Cole, 16, and Mena, 10.
Since 1895, Holt Lumber has remained committed to providing friendly, personalized customer service and selling quality products at a reasonable price for everyone from weekend warriors to seasoned contractors.
A fire in 1980 that destroyed the lumberyard proved a setback, but Tom Wiggins noted the business bounced back stronger.
“New structures were erected and as money came around we kept adding on,” he said.
The business also pays homage to longtime workers who’ve passed away with street signs throughout the property, including Norman White, John Barbaro and Hank Nagle.
Paul Debish, 80, of Forest City, began shopping at Holt’s about five decades ago and appreciates the nod to the former employees — including many he knew personally.
“I used to play baseball with those guys,” he said.
Debish also continues supporting Holt Lumber as opposed to big-box stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot due to the connections formed throughout the years.
“I’m always for the little guy and this is a place you can still come to and get friendly service,” he said. “And the people know what they’re talking about — if you need service here, you got it. That’s the key.”
Tom Wiggins stressed that while the hardware business continues to evolve, many things remain relatively the same.
“In this industry, nothing ever goes away,” he said. “Something new will come out, but the old product never goes away so you have to keep expanding.”
However, one big change came in 1968 when Holt Lumber bought its first forklift, which made labor easier around the property.
“Before, everything was done by hand,” Tom Wiggins said. “A boxcar of lumber would come in and we’d take it off board by board.”
Supporting the community — from customers to schools and nonprofit organizations — remains a top priority for Holt Lumber, Holly Wiggins said.
“We’ve been a staple here and people know us,” she said. “We accommodate anybody for anything. We started our 130th (anniversary) sale on Monday and we’ve seen a very great outpouring of the community coming back in here to support us. Everybody knows everybody. And if someone is new, we welcome them. They want that hometown, family feel and I think we provide that, which sets us apart.”
Tom Wiggins believes customers also value the delivery service that gets items to them in a hurry for a modest cost.
“If you need it that day, you’ll see it that day, and it’s always been that way,” he said.
Holt Lumber hand cuts wood pieces to meet customers’ specifications, which also eliminates any waste, Tom Wiggins said.
“I’ve had ladies come here with a nylon (stocking) and say they need it this long or that long,” Wiggins said with a laugh.
Holt Lumber currently employs about 22 workers, including many who have been part of the business for decades. One employee — Don Arthur — worked there for 70-plus years, Tom Wiggins said.
Another of those longtime employees, Bob Adams of Luzerne — affectionately known as “Ruba” — has traveled approximately 40 miles per day for more than 20 years.
“I’m here because of the people,” Adams said. “There are a lot of good customers and I have a good time with them — that’s why I come back. It’s a great experience for me.”
A novelty street sign memoralizes a former employee of Holt True Value Lumber in Carbondale. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
An employee drives a company truck at Holt True Value Lumber in Carbondale Wednesday, June 25, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Lumber is stacked and sold from outdoor storage facilities at Holt True Value Lumber in Carbondale Wednesday, June 25, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Lumber is stacked on shelves at Holt True Value Lumber in Carbondale Wednesday, June 25, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Lumber is stacked on shelves at Holt True Value Lumber in Carbondale Wednesday, June 25, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)