International Wood International Wood 2005 | Page 28

NEW DOORS
Old-World Craftsmanship
L
et’s say you’re building an opulent home in the Indianapolis area and you want a front door
that properly introduces visitors to your not-so-humble abode. Let’s also say that you’re ready
to spend up to $42,000 to get exactly the entry you want. Who do you call? Carter Lee Lumber, of
course.
Founded in 1837 and currently run by the founders’ great-great grandchildren, Carter Lee Lumber
is the oldest and largest privately owned lumberyard in Indiana. The company operates several de-
partments: wood window subassemblies, custom millwork; stock radiata pine, steel, fiberglass, and
hardboard doors; a truss and panel plant; and wholesale and retail lumber sales.
Carter Lee’s millwork division, which began operation on day one, makes custom architectural
doors in all price ranges. It is still housed in the oldest building on the company’s 25-acre property.
“We’ve got 10 employees making doors, mouldings, and stair parts including newels, handrails,
spindles and treads,” explains mill manager John Welch. “Some of our equipment dates back to 1899,
and we’ve just recently converted some of the line-drive machines from leather to canvas belts. We like
the older machines because of their ease of use and our people are comfortable with them. Our oldest
moulder operator, by the way, is 72.
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IMPORTED WOOD