Terry Lumber & Supply Co.

HISTORY

A Family Business Since Day One

When John J. “Terry” Montaquila opened Terry Coal & Supply Co. in September 1940, he had a clear goal in mind: serve the needs of the residents of Boston Township and Peninsula, Ohio with quality products and friendly advice. At the time, there was no National Park, no Turnpike and no local store that could provide the much-needed coal and lumber for the growing communities.


Terry was born and raised in Peninsula, Ohio and knew the area well. His small store became a local hub and grew alongside the community.

John J. “Terry” Montaquila, 1939

Terry and son, Jim

Johnny, John and Terry Lahoski

Terry Coal & Supply Co.

Then, in August 1946, tragedy struck: a fire burned the business to the ground. As the family tells it, the event didn’t stop Terry. The next day, he set up a temporary headquarters outdoors creating an “open air” office amidst the ashes. He connected a telephone to a telegraph pole on the lot and used an old-school desk to avoid business interruption.

Even with depleted resources, Terry recognized the opportunity to rebuild even better. He designed and constructed a modern warehouse and offices on the same property. He resumed his coal and lumber supply business, added farm machinery and feed to the mix, and eventually opened stores in Peninsula and Richfield.


In 1986, after 46 years in Boston Township, the business moved just two miles south to its current location in Peninsula, the heart of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The move was necessary because of the formation of the park, but also provided another opportunity for growth and improved customer service. Moving the business also enabled Terry Lumber to be adjacent to Peninsula Hardwoods, the milling operation that Terry had purchased.


In the years preceding the move, Terry’s son, Jim Montaquila, and son-in-law, John Lahoski, both left their teaching professions to help run the family business. Today, Terry Lumber and Peninsula Hardwoods are still family owned and operated businesses. Terry’s grandsons, Terry Lahoski and John Lahoski, manage Terry Lumber & Supply Co. and Peninsula Hardwoods, respectively, working alongside the staff and other family members to serve the needs of both residential and commercial customers. They keep Terry’s vision alive, providing the community with quality lumber and building materials and one-on-one service.

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