Beverly Lumber Company was founded by Frank B. McKnight in August 1946. The first yard, managed by Mr. McKnight's brother-in-law, William Dowd, was located in Beverly, Missouri on ground leased from the Humphrey Implement Co. The following year the Company purchased the Higgins Lumber Company of Tracy Missouri, and moved it to Platte City. Mr. James M. Higgins was appointed manager.
Stan George is the current Manager of the Platte City yard. In April 1949, the Company expanded into the south end of Platte County with the purchase of the White Lumber Company in Riverside. Mr. White Stayed on as manager for a short period of time. Subsequently Mr. Kenny Lynch was appointed manager of the Riverside yard and held that position until his retirement in 1987. Bud Searcy managed the yard until he retired in December, 1991. Mr. John Dowd transferred from Atchison and is the current manager at Riverside. The Company also uses this location as their General Office. In 1951 , Mr. Paul Srack was hired as Office Manager and held that position until his retirement in 1991. Fran Sears is now Office Supervisor.
Bill Dowd became the General Manager of the Company in 1957 and assisted with the expansion of the Beverly Lumber Company into Leavenworth, Kansas. The first location purchased was the Lambert Lumber Company located at 601 Delaware Street. Then, in 1961 this site has sold to the City of Leavenworth Water Department. The Company purchased ground form the City and built a new yard at 714 Oak Street. Mr. Tony Larison managed this yard until he retired in 1981, at which time Mr. Pat Dowd was appointed Manager.
In 1975 the ownership of the Company was passed to Mr. McKnight's daughters, Frances McKnight Leiding, and Mary Ann McKnight Clark. Then in 1977 Mr. Dowd's oldest son, Walter, was hired and appointed President of the Company. Mike Clark joined the Company in 1981 to assist in the financial and legal aspects of the business. In Dec. of 2004 Walter Dowd Semi-retired and his Brother Pat Dowd took over as President with John Dowd Assisting in that role. Walter remains as an Advisor.
We are obviously proud of our steady growth and expansion. Most of all, our history is a reflection of the dedicated managers and employees that have made Beverly Lumber Company strong and successful.
