In 1926, Arthur Bowman purchased his first sawmill for $150 and began sawing hemlock for local farmers while continuing to run his farm on Route 11 in Castle Creek, New York. During the hardships of the Great Depression, he delivered firewood and potatoes to Binghamton, and during World War II, much of his lumber went into crates for war supplies.

Arthur’s son Melvin joined the business in 1955 and, with his wife Joanne, purchased it in 1969. Arthur retired the following year, though he remained a steady presence in the mill until the age of 88. Under Melvin’s leadership, the operation modernized with the addition of its first automatic mill, followed by an in-feed deck and log turner. In 1974, the business was incorporated as A.D. Bowman & Son Lumber Co., Inc., and a new mill was soon built at the current location. Around that time, Melvin’s son Joel—the third generation—began working part-time at age 14, learning every part of the operation.

The company entered a new era in 1985 when Melvin purchased Rejmer Manufacturing and established a pallet mill on the property. Joel took charge of this division, which proved vital during periods of weak lumber markets. Although limited electrical supply initially constrained growth, the installation of a generator in 1989 expanded production capabilities for both lumber and pallets. As the business expanded, additional by-products—mulch, chips, sawdust, and firewood—were marketed to ensure every part of each log was used.

Mel and Joanne retired in 2002, and leadership transitioned to Joel and his wife, Bonnie, who grew the company, remained devoted to their employees, and significantly reduced debt over the next 18 years.

After a long battle with cancer, Joel passed away in January 2020, leaving his sons—Adam and Aaron—to continue the family legacy. Today, Adam oversees the sawmill and pallet mill, while Aaron manages the trucking and logging operations, continuing the work begun nearly a century ago.