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Ogden & Adams opened its doors as Kenwood Lumber in 1913. The company was originally located in Kenwood, Iowa, a small town one mile north of Cedar Rapids. Over the years Cedar Rapids grew, and the town of Kenwood was combined into Cedar Rapids. Even today part of the original "downtown Kenwood" buildings still stand along 1st Ave.
Otto Ogden purchased the lumberyard in 1918 and renamed it Ogden Lumber and Coal. In its early years, in addition to lumber, the yard provided coal to area households for cooking and heat. Coal and lumber were brought in on rail cars and stored in bins. Although the coal bins are long gone, the area where other products are now stored is still known as "the coal yard". Of course, at that time, all O&A products were delivered by mule and wagon. Mr. Ogden died in the mid nineteen sixties.
Denver Adams joined the company in 1945 after serving in World War II. He had married Mr.Ogden's daughter, Polly, and decided he wanted to be in the lumber business. Within a few years Mr. Adams became a partner and thus the name changed to Ogden & Adams Lumber.
Wayne Mead joined the company as a young boy. He cleaned the alleyways and offices an helped in the lumberyard wherever needed. After completing college and returning from the service, Wayne returned to the lumberyard to work as a salesman. When Mr. Ogden died in the mid-sixties, Wayne became vice-president.
Larry Paulsen came to work for Ogden & Adams in 1978. He had previously worked as a architectural draftsman, a carpenter, and a project superintendent. Through working with Mr. Mead purchasing materials, Larry was offered a job as estimator/salesman.
In 1991 the company converted an old auto repair shop (accross the street from the lumberyard) into a window and door showroom displaying several brands of windows, interior and exterior doors, and interior millwork. Tari Dailey, a former remodeling contractor and millwork salesman joined the company that year to manage the Window & Door Center.
When Mr. Adams passed away in 1993, Wayne Mead became sole owner. Wayne retired from the yard in January 1996 and sold the business to Larry Paulsen and Tari Dailey. They continue to run the business as partners today.
In 1999 Ogden & Adams opened a new division called the Kitchen Design Center, which is located in the Window & Door Center building and hired one of the areas most experienced designers.
Also in 1999, another division was started. The Ogden & Adams Design Center offers architectural design services for both contractors and the public. Located in the lumberyard office building, the Design Center uses computer aided design (CAD) to design and draw plans for homes, additions and remodeling projects.
Ogden & Adams has developed and evolved through the years into one of the areas leading material suppliers. From the design to the finishing touches, Ogden & Adams is...PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER SINCE 1913.
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