 Bridgewater Lumber Company was purchased from the Pardee brothers of Clinton in 1938 by three brothers, Jake, Ruben, and Edwin Finkbeiner and a cousin, David Wahl. Ruben & David were building partners in the Bridgewater area. Jake & Edwin worked for the Pardee brothers in the lumber company.
Jake Finkbeiner left the company after a few years of business and Dave Wahl passed away in the early 60's. Ruben passed away on July 15, 1990 followed by Edwin on March 27, 1992.
In the middle 1950's, Ron Finkbeiner, the son of Ruben, graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in Residential Building. He joined the firm's construction division following college. Ron served as Vice President in the late 60's and became President in the early 70's which he remains as to this date.
In the early 60's, Gary Finkbeiner, son of Edwin, joined the company after graduating from Jackson Community College. He became Vice President and General Manager in the late 70's which he still serves as today.
Bridgewater Lumber purchased the Saline Mercantile in 1968 and started their second store. In 1975, Bridgewater had a warehouse fire which destroyed 1 barn. The old store was demolished and a new store was built near the site. In 1980, the Saline Division moved to the present location on Michigan Ave. A fire on Nov 17, 1993, destroyed the Saline store and part of the adjoining warehouse. The new store was built in 1994 at the same site along with a new barn out back. A Door & Window addition was added in 1998 with over 2000 sq. ft. devoted to windows, doors & moldings. |
  
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