Frost Hardwood's 65th birthday

EXECUTIVES of Frost Hardwood l-Lumber Co., the pioneer San Diego, Ca., wholesale distributing concern, greeted over 600 customers and civic leaders on the evenings of Sept. 28 and 29 when they hosted them to cocktails and fried chicken at the firm's downtown warehouse facilitv.

"We were absolutely delighted wiih the large number of people who turned out to help us celebrate our 65 years of continuous service in San Diego," said Gordon Frost, president and general manager of the familyowned business that was founded in lgll bv the late Albert A. Frost, Sr.

"I think that everyone had a good time at our parties," Frost added. "At least, I know that we did! We certainly enjoyed having the opportunity to show off our people and our modern service facilities."

On display during the open houses were Frost Hardwood's recentlv remodeled general and executive offices. Guests also toured the firm's three large warehouses, with over 40,000 sq. ft. of undercover storage, located on the 3-acre plant site.

In addition, guests were shown the drying shed, fork-lift shed, plywood storage warehouse, two drying yardsand special displays of new hardwood products now represented in the San Diego Market.

Among these are: Hartco parquet hardwood flooring, Townsend solid hardwood paneling, and Wood Mosaic hardwood flooring. Also presented were displays of Formica decorative laminates, Masonite hardboard and paneling, Wilhold and Formica adhesives, Pliantwood industrial veneers, cedar closet panels and States Veneer prefinished panels, all of which Frost Hardwood has handled for many years.

According to Albert "Al" Frost, Jr., v.p., "We stock in excess of two mil- lon board feet of hardwoods for the San Diego county, Baja California (Medco) trade, and through their El Centro branch, Imperial Valley Plywood Co., and it's manager Bill Condit, the Imperial county area. This includes domestic and imported hardwoods of more than 20 species, Douglas fir plywood, hardwood flooring, wall paneling and many varieties of allied products and specialty items."

The firm serves nearlv 75 retall lumber and building material dealers in its trade area, plus qualified industrial users of hardwoods and softwoods, including boat builders and cabinet shops.

Both Al and Gordv Frost make frequent buying trips to the Orient. Gordon made the most recent trio last year, calling on suppliers in Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Australia.

Frost Hardwood is one of the few remaining family-owned hardwood businesses in Southern California. And the family intends to keep it that way, with third generation Frosts now involved in the day-to-day operations of the company. Gordon "G.T." Frost, Jr. is in outside sales; Bruce H. Frost handles the new "mini-computer" recently installed to streamline accounting procedures.

Key personnel also consider themselves to be "family", especially in light of their 156 years of combined longevity. Milt Olsen, sales manager, has been with the company 15 years. Henry Simmons, general superintendent, 28 years; Jack Lange, Formica coordinator, 15 years: Ray Lynskey, yard superintendent, 14 years: M.P. "Smitty" Smith, senior hardwood orderman, 4l years; Manny Marin, outside sales, 8 years; Flo Tschogl, outside sales, 17 years: Larry Glenn, inside sales, l0 years; and Bert Hernandez,inside saltis, 8 years.

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