Pecos Valley Lumber Company was founded in 1902 in Roswell with James Fielding Hinkle as the president and principal owner. J.F. Hinkle continued as president until 1946 when he was succeeded by his son Clarence E. Hinkle. Frank L. Smith joined the company in 1906 and became its manager soon after. He was succeeded by his son Charles F. Smith.
In September 1975 most of the company’s assets were destroyed in a fire. In May of 1976 the company joined with Houston Lumber Company’s Roswell branch. Houston Lumber had been formed in Kansas in 1884 and later expanded throughout New Mexico and other western states. Smith continued the management of the new Pecos Valley Houston Lumber Company and its Home Center in Roswell.
In 1990, Houston Lumber Company’s half of the Roswell store was bought out by Roswell Lumber and Hardware Company and the Pecos Valley Lumber Company was consolidated with Roswell Lumber. This company is still in operation and the store is now known as the Roswell DO It Center.
From the guide to the Pecos Valley Lumber Company records, 1902-1990, (New Mexico State University Library, Archives and Special Collections Department)
