San Jose's Southern Lumber says goodbye to faithful woodworkers after 110 years - Contra Costa Times
SAN JOSE -- Blazing above the front doors inside Southern Lumber is an upbeat, sign that for decades has called out, "Thank You . Come Again. "I'd like to thank everyone for 110 memorable years," says family owner Jeff Pohle, who for the last 21 years has operated the giant wood wonderland left to him by his dad, Bruce Pohle. In 1994, Bruce was set to teach Jeff the ropes for five years, but a year and a half in, his dad bolted confidently into retirement, where he remains today. But then a few weeks ago, everything in the Southern Lumber universe tilted when Jeff, only 47, announced he was selling the 3. 4-acre spread off Monterey Highway to local real estate developers for an undisclosed price. Since the announcement, armies of Southern Lumber devotees have been flowing through the store like pilgrims to a holy place. The "Everything Must Go" urgency could close the store as early as next week, Pohle said Friday. "It is horrible news, a real bummer," said Ross Luebbe of San Jose, who recently came midday to the store bearing a new sign: "Ultimate retirement sale. Source: www.contracostatimes.com
