W. H. Gilcrest,
Founder

J. K. Gilcrest,
Founder

1856

• After leaving their native Ohio for greater opportunity farther west, two brothers realize their dream of business ownership: The J.K. and W.H. Gilcrest Lumber Company is born.
• James Buchanan is elected the 15th president of the United States.

1879

• The Ewing, Jewett and Chandler Lumber Company is founded.
• Thomas A. Edison invents the light bulb.

1906

• George A. Jewett renames his business “Jewett Lumber Company.” Jewett later purchases the first lumber truck in Iowa.
• The world’s first radio broadcast of the human voice takes place in Brant Rock, Massachusetts.

1956

• The Gilcrest Lumber Company celebrates 100 years of service to Des Moines.
• A 21-year-old former choirboy named Elvis Aaron Presley gains national recognition as his songs “Hound Dog” and “Don’t Be Cruel” climb the charts.

1977

• A massive fire destroys the original site of the Gilcrest Lumber Company on July 6. Within 24 hours, the company is back in business, fulfilling a promised order.
• Twentieth Century Fox convinces fewer than 40 theatres to premiere the movie Star Wars on May 25. By the end of the year, Star Wars has earned more money than any film in history.

1985

• Gilcrest Lumber Company and Jewett Lumber Company form the new Gilcrest/Jewett Lumber Company, offering more lines of products and greater service.
• American President Ronald Reagan and Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev hold a groundbreaking summit in Geneva, Switzerland.

2000

• Decades of tremendous growth — including the addition of carpet, cabinet, and window & door divisions — compel a move from downtown Des Moines to larger facilities in Waukee. Total space increases from 7 acres to 26.
• NASA’s N.E.A.R. spacecraft becomes the first ever to successfully orbit an asteroid.

2002

• Gilcrest/Jewett opens its fourth location in Coralville, Iowa.
• Queen Elizabeth II marks 50 years as England’s monarch.

2006

• Gilcrest/Jewett celebrates 150 years of service to Des Moines ... and looks forward to its next 150 years!