Village Lumber Ends Business After 51 Years

Village Lumber, a locally owned family business for 51 years, is closing. Co-owner Matthew O’Neil said that he expects the last day to be in the next week or two, adding that he did not have a specific date to announce.  

“A few weeks ago, we looked at the books and realized it wasn’t going to make it,” Matthew said. “We kept saying, ‘give it a couple of more months.’ But now the decision has been made.” 

Matthew said that the arrival of Lowes on Route 9 in Westborough several years ago and the change in the economy were factors that affected the business. 

“Also, about five years ago, we added the warehouse to the property and incurred a mortgage for the first time,” he noted, adding that the company had never before operated with a mortgage. 

Matthew’s father, the late Paul O’Neil, opened Village Lumber and Fuel in 1960. At that time, he partnered with another man, Mr. Kimball, to start the business. In 1967, Paul O’Neil bought out Kimball and became the sole owner of Village Lumber. Today, Matthew is a primary owner of the business along with his brother, John, and sister Debbie O’Regan. Three other sisters have minor shares in the business, he explained. 

Village Lumber was originally located on Union Street where today’s Parkview Condominiums stand, said Matthew. He said the location was ideal because Village Lumber was a major supplier to Bay State Abrasives. 

The next location was behind the Arcade building, where today’s BP station operates. “We sold everything there - from coal to feed, hardware and lumber,” he said. 

In 1973, the current location at 1 Phillips St. was established. The original property included a fueling station, but that portion of the company was stopped in 1978. “That was during the energy crisis,” Matthew recalled. 

When asked about some of his best memories of running the business, Matthew quickly responded, “All of the customers. Eighty percent of the people that go through, I know by their first names.” 

He fondly remembered the Christmas parties at the store through the years, saying, “The food would be out all day.” 

And he smiled when he answered, “Just having old friends at the counter talking about, ‘I remember when.’” 

As he thought about the loss for many of his loyal customers, Matthew said, “Service is first. I hope that whoever gets our customer base remembers that. Price isn’t always everything.” 

The property is for sale. It is currently listed with broker Todd Alexander of Colliers International. Alexander can be reached at 617-330-8019. 

“After we close the business, we’ll open again for a day for liquidation,” Matthew said. 

When asked what is next for the O’Neil family, Matthew paused for few seconds. “I honestly don’t know,” he said. “We’ll be busy getting this settled and then, well, I honestly don’t know.”