The History of
DeWitt Lumber
Company
Fortunately, back in 1890, there was no one keeping records as to the percentage of small businesses that fail (it's over 80% today) or Mark DeWitt and his son, Homer, might never have constructed the Mill Pond Dam in Blanchard, Michigan, on land they'd cleared by hand six years earlier. Thus, they began their fledgling lumber and milling business known today as DeWitt Lumber Company.
While scores of other area businesses came and went during the ensuing years, DeWitt Lumber Company is still going strong, a testament not only to the hard work and dedication of those early DeWitt Family pioneers, but also to the care and guidance of succeeding generations.
Homer DeWitt took over the operation when it was still young, following his father's death, and broadened the business beyond milling lumber, to include grinding feed and flour as well as retail sales. A portion of that original mill still stands today, across from the mill pond.
When Homer passed away, shortly after the end of World War II, his daughter Myrtle's husband, Leon Camp, began running the business. A few years later, the building which presently houses the office and the retail building supply store, was constructed.
Then in 1967, lightning struck the main storage building, destroying the structure completely. A copy of the front page of the local paper, showing the charred remains, hangs just outside business offices today. To no one's surprise, a new building went up almost immediately.
With Leon's passing in 1977, his son, Alan Camp, and son-in-law, Dennis Riley, took over the reins of ownership. The business continued to grow under their leadership with Alan overseeing the construction crew and Dennis the store business. Knowing that the key to success in any business is to keep moving forward, in 2003, DeWitt Lumber Company opened another location, DeWitt Windows and Doors, in nearby Mount Pleasant.
After the sudden death of Dennis Riley in November 2005, Alan Camp became sole owner. Wishing to retire, Alan sold the business to Matt Esch on August 13, 2007. Today, Dewitt Lumber Company remains a thriving modern, full-service lumber yard which, at 119 years and counting, is among the oldest in the state of Michigan.
Mark and Homer DeWitt's lumber mill began in the 19th century, grew and prospered throughout the 20th century and continues its success here in the 21st century. The roll-call for businesses who can say the same has to be a short one.
1910
Mark DeWitt
1930
Homer DeWitt
1967
Leon Camp
