The origins of Harlem Lumber date back to 1926 when Monarch Lumber first set up shop in Northern Montana with two locations. One in Hogeland, and also the one that would later be known as Harlem Lumber Company on the North side of town in Harlem, Montana.

The Monarch Lumber stayed with the company until 1963 when Bestway Building Centers purchased the business. In 1969, Bestway Building Centers became United Building Center, also known as UBC, now on the South side of town between the elevator and Olson Ford. After one year, UBC decided to sell and Charlie and Kay Brekke became the new owners, and Harlem Lumber Company was established!

In 1970 Charlie and Kay Brekke decided to leave the family brick laying business, and purchase the local lumber yard. Building a new store in 1977 to move closer to the new Highway 2 location. Charlie and Kay owned and worked at their store, providing lumber and hardware for all of Harlem and the surrounding areas.

In 2012 Charlie and Kay’s youngest daughter, Lorie, and her husband Rod purchased the store from Charlie and Kay. Rod found that his past in construction perfectly suited him for the running of Harlem Lumber, as he now gets to provide the supplies for people’s construction needs without doing the projects himself.

Stop by and let Rod and everyone else at Harlem Lumber know what you’re working on, and we will find you just what your project needs.

See you soon!