Foxworth-Galbraith’s origin is traced back to the late 19th century and the convergence of the two founding partners. Two men from different backgrounds, one a son of a Civil War veteran and the other a son of an Episcopal rector from Ireland.
H.W. Galbraith
W.L Foxworth
The coming together of these two men with divergent backgrounds laid the foundation for what Foxworth-Galbraith is today. Family owned and operated since 1901, Foxworth-Galbraith continues as a leader in delivering construction and home improvement solutions guided by the founder’s principles. Service, dedication to our customers, integrity, and family values are principles that guide Foxworth-Galbraith Lumber Company.
THE EARLY YEARS
In the early summer of 1901, Foxworth-Galbraith was formed with five lumber yards, three in the Territory of New Mexico and two in the Texas Panhandle. Railroads dictated the location of the company’s first lumber yards. They brought the promise of prosperity to the emerging communities along their route.
In 1919 Foxworth-Galbraith began operations in Mesa and Tucson, Arizona. Both of these locations and the state would prove to be central to the company’s operations for many years. At this same time, the petroleum boom that was becoming a key hallmark of Texas showed no signs of a letdown. In the boom town of Panhandle City, Foxworth-Galbraith maintained a yard that was open 24 hours a day to meet the seemingly unquenchable demand for products necessary for constructing wooden oil derricks.
SURVIVING THE DEPRESSION AND WORLD WAR II
The company’s bleakest period began in October, 1929, when the stock market crashed triggering the beginning of a ten year economic slump. Rather than close its doors, as many companies did, Foxworth-Galbraith adjusted to the changed conditions and focused on financial prudence and adherence to the company’s core principles.
In November 1931, W.L. Foxworth, H.W. Galbraith, and J.C. Galbraith sent a cautious memo to all members of the organizations summarizing the company’s challenging economic situation and providing a road map for survival.
“Hoping that conditions might improve this Fall in our business, we ha