Tague Lumber history 1908 lumber lorry

Tague Lumber History

The history of Tague Lumber dates back to 1908, when a small Philadelphia lumber yard began a legacy that continues today as one of Pennsylvania’s most trusted family-owned building suppliers.

A Family-Owned Business, Founded in 1908

Founded in 1908 by James E. Tague

James E. Tague and Co. opened at 10th Street and Columbia Avenue in Philadelphia on November 11, 1908. His first hires were two horses and an old friend to drive them in a second-hand lumber lorry. This marked the beginning of over a century of the Tague family building strong relationships and developing efficient methods for delivering products to customers.

When James married Mary Agnes Stewart in 1898, the couple shared a vision of building a future that would support and sustain their growing family.

Mary Tague Leads Through Growth and Hardship

When James died suddenly in 1924, Mary Tague refused to abandon her husband’s dream. As president, she successfully operated the family lumber business for 30 years while raising ten children.

The 1920s proved to be a successful period, firmly establishing the roots of Tague Lumber in the city of Philadelphia and reinforcing its foundation as a family-owned business.

Joseph L. Tague Takes Leadership

In 1959, the family business became Tague Lumber, Inc., with Joseph L. Tague named President. One of the four employees at the time was his son, Vincent J. Tague, Sr.

While earlier generations mastered horse-drawn delivery, Vince Sr. became known for managing the company’s growing fleet of trucks. His dedication to maintaining the company’s now-iconic red delivery vehicles became legendary within both the business and the Tague family.

Expansion, Rebuilding and Modernization

The 1960s marked a period of tremendous growth. In 1968, a larger facility was purchased at the corner of Belfield Avenue and High Street in Germantown.

Vince Sr. became President of the company in 1973. Sadly, just two years later, on Christmas night in 1975, a devastating fire destroyed the entire yard. Undeterred, the Tague family rebuilt a more modern facility and continued to grow.

Growth Beyond Philadelphia

Vincent J. Tague, Jr., representing the fourth generation, joined Tague Lumber in 1985 and led the company’s expansion beyond Philadelphia.

In 1995, Tague acquired Phoenixville Lumber in Chester County, Pennsylvania. This location allowed the company to expand its offerings to include custom millwork and state-of-the-art door hanging capabilities.

In 1998, a third location was added with the purchase of Marshall’s Lumber in Media, PA, further strengthening Tague Lumber’s regional presence.

In 2001, Vincent J. Tague, Jr. became President, while Vincent Sr. assumed the role of CEO. Under their leadership, the company continued to grow and diversify.

In 2004, Tague expanded again with the addition of Premier Products Company, which became the Premier Hollow Metal Door & Frame Division of Tague Lumber. This division provides services including metal welding and fabrication, master keying, jobsite delivery, and door and hardware takeoff assistance.

In photo from (L-R) Vince Tague Jr & Vince Tague Sr


Expansion, Design Showrooms and New Facilities

In 2009, Tague Lumber built a 10,000-square-foot Design Showroom in Malvern, PA.  This innovative space features full displays of kitchens, baths, windows, doors, hardware, siding, millwork, moulding, decking, and more.

Always with an eye to the future, in 2012, Tague Lumber announced the purchase of the old Danby Lumber yard on McFarlan Road in Kennett Square. After spending two years renovating the site, Tague Lumber of Kennett Square was ready to business. The upgraded facility opened in April 2014 and included the addition of a rail spur, which increased product availability and cost efficiency.

In June 2014, Tague opened another location at the former Doylestown Lumber yard. After quickly outgrowing the site, the company relocated to 6100 Easton Road, and the fully renovated Tague Lumber of Doylestown officially opened in Fall 2017. The Doylestown location became the company’s first hybrid facility, combining a fully stocked lumber yard and drive-thru warehouses with a 4,500+ square foot design showroom featuring displays of kitchens, baths, windows, doors, millwork, and architectural hardware.

In April 2019, Tague relocated its commercial division—Premier Door, Frame & Hardware—to a new state-of-the-art facility at 7 Lee Boulevard in Malvern, PA, offering enhanced services including pre-installed hardware and expanded capabilities.


 

Tague Lumber red delivery trucks fleet owned by Tague family

Continuing a Multi-Generational Legacy

Continuing the family tradition, Vincent J. Tague III joined the company in 2016. His leadership represents the continuation of six generations of family ownership and reinforces the company’s long-standing commitment to excellence. In photo from (L-R) Vince Sr, Vince III, and Vince Jr


Looking Ahead

Today, Tague Lumber remains a sixth-generation, family-owned business dedicated to innovation, service, and quality. As the Tague Lumber history continues to evolve, the company remains committed to building strong relationships and delivering expert solutions to builders, contractors, and homeowners throughout Pennsylvania and the tri-state region.

One thing that has never changed is the Tague family’s commitment to continuous improvement. With over 118 years of experience, Tague Lumber meets the demands of a changing marketplace by providing exceptional customer service, fair pricing, quality products, and reliable delivery through its signature fleet of red trucks. From boom trucks and flatbeds to moffetts, box trucks, and service vans, Tague delivers what you need—exactly where you need it.