A grand opening was recently held for a new Thedford Lumber and Supply, 15 months after owner Dave Masek torn down the original building because of smoke damage caused by malfunctioning automated vacuum.
Masek purchased Neal Lumber from Tim Neal in 2023. Masek also owns the former Cowpoke Bar and Grill, calling it the Emporium.
It was a few months later, “ Super Bowl Sunday, February 10, 2024 he discovered heavy smoke damage caused by a robotic vacuum in the lumber store to the degree the Emporium became the headquarters for the lumber company as the original was torn down and construction began on the rebuilding.
The old store did not all go to the scrap heap. Kaycee Hoffman took the old roof tin for her renovation of the 1914 Cowpoke Hotel, and Bridget Licking took the original wood flooring for her photo studio.
The new store is 54’ x 80.’ Cement flooring replaced the wood. The store offers new products, including lighting options and computerized paint mixing.
“We can order what you want, eliminating a large mileage fee as Valentine, North Platte or Broken Bow are 65 miles away,” Masek said.
The new store retained the front bay windows of the old store.
The Thedford Service Club provided the ribbon for cutting while Masek used one of the Dewalt reciprocating saws that the store sells to cut it.
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