(Ad from the Delano Eagle, April 28, 1904)

The Home Lumber Co. was established by O.J. Lundsten in 1903. The name was changed to Lundsten Lumber in 1906.

(from The Great Northwest Magazine, Wright County Edition, December 1909)

THE LUNDSTEN LUMBER CO. – The Lundsten Lumber Co., with headquarters at Delano, are the owners and operators of three lumber yards. Mr. Lundsten established the Home Lumber Co. in 1903, with the help of Andrew Justin, O.W. Lundsten and John Hineman, and in 1906 a change came not only to the name of the firm, but to the owners as well. O.W. Lundsten, who became president of the new firm, is a banker at Hutchison; Geo. A. DuToit, the vice-president, one at Chaska, and O.J. Lundsten, the secretary is a Delano man, having been here a great many years. Of course, it is generally conceded that a company operating several yards has a greater purchasing power than others because of the magnitude of their purchases. The yard here is managed by Mr. O.J. Lundsten, who has been looking after the work practically ever since it first started as the Home Lumber co. Mr. Lundsten is an expert in the lumber line, having long been identified with such work. The yards here are quite extensive and most of the material is under cover. Their office and sheds are a50x70 and 50x80, just opposite the depot, where the firm owns eight 25x100 foot lots. They enjoy the distinction of having the oldest yard in Delano and the largest stock. They carry a very complete line of brick, lime, cement and all grades of coal. When the city cast around for a member of its council and selected O.J. Lundsten, all felt that the choice was wise – now they all know it. He is a gentleman of fine abilities, good judgment and honest purposes.”

Lundsten Lumber Co., 1914. The gentleman in the white shirt in O. J. Lundsten. (from The Delano Eagle Special Edition, 1946)

Lundsten Lumber was the oldest business in Delano under the same family management when it closed. O.J. Lundsten was succeeded by his nephew, Cliff Lundsten. The Lundsten family and the lumber company were deeply tied to Delano's civic life. Cliff Lundsten helped organize Delano’s early community traditions, such as the town's cooperative Santa Claus Day for local children in 1939. Cliff’s son Jim and his wife Ann took over managing the company in the 1950’s, and helped establish local institutions including the Crow River Bank and community planning committees. They sold the business in1988 and retired. Jim and his wife, Ann, were honored as Delano Citizens of the year in 1997.

“The Old Grey Mare, she ain’t what she used to be” - same location, same building, but with a new face.

Today the Lundsten Lumber building is the home of Love INC.