Our History, Valley Supply
Valley Supply Company was founded in 1905, as a mill and mine supply business under the name of Baldwin-Chandlee Supply Company. Mr. William D. Baldwin and James R. Chandlee were from Baltimore, Maryland. This business operated until 1915, when Mr. Chandlee withdrew from the firm, and the name was shortened to Baldwin Supply Company.
Several years later, Mr. Baldwin moved to Charleston, West Virginia, where a branch store operated, and Mr. Walter N. Fitzwater became manager of the Elkins business. The two (2) stores operated in conjunction with each other as Baldwin Supply Company until 1924, when a division was made. Since Mr. Baldwin remained in Charleston, that store retained the name. The Elkins business was incorporated as Valley Supply Company. Mr. Walter N. Fitzwater was President and General Manager. Mrs. Marie Keller, Mr. John Wallace, Mr. Merrit Wilson, and Mr. M.B. Roughbough were some of the Directors. Valley Supply Company operated several auxiliary businesses – a blacksmith shop, a Buick dealership and a leather shop, which was run by Robert “Bob” Graham. The size of the building was increased by Mr. T. E. Whiteman. The service area was gradually increased and five salesmen traveled for Valley. Some of the salesmen with many years of service were: Albert Cole, Ralph Cade, Edison Dumire, James Hill, William Keller, Howard Phillips, Edgar Schoonover, and Earl Caplinger, and Hugh Caplinger (who later became President of Valley Supply Company).
Mr. Walter N. Fitwater managed the business until the 1940’s when Mr. James H. “Mike” Fitzwater became General Manager. He was later replaced in the early 1970’s by Mr. John E.B. Rector. In 1984, Mr. Patrick C. Lafayette became the General Manager and still serves in that capacity.
Currently Valley employs about forty plus (40) people, with four (4) branch locations in Elkins, Clarksburg, Charleston (St. Albans), and Parkersburg, West Virginia. A fleet of trucks is maintained to assure reliable service to our customers. Products handled are purchased from some of the oldest and best-known manufacturers in the U.S.A. Valley is a member of the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), Plumbing, and PVF (Pipe, Valves, and Fittings) industry’s best buying group, Embassy.
Our Future, Dreamscapes
The end of 2009 marked the beginning of our latest addition, Dreamscapes. A showroom managed by Emily Earl showing the latest in luxury bath and kitchen settings. This addition will take us into the future and give our community access to fixtures and accessories of unmatched quality and style.