Photo: Blount Lumber Company aerial view (1894-1993)

The Blount Lumber Company of Lacona was one of the oldest companies in this part of the state. It was established in 1894 by George R. Blount and his brother Andy. At that time the sawmills were in the woods and shipped lumber to Lacona by wagon and sleigh. Here it was graded and shipped to buyers by rail. In 1897 the first shop was built, a 24 x 30 ft. building where he manufactured rockers and sold to chair manufacturers.

In 1908 a stock company was formed, the directors being George R. Blount, Jesse M. Blount and Walter D. Sprague. For many years the company specialized in manufacturing hardwood flooring. In 1909 a dry kiln was built with Charlie Kloch as overseer. The first sawmill in Lacona was built in 1914 with logs brought in by horse-drawn sleighs. In 1923 the dry kiln was rebuilt.