San Joaquin County Biographies


This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives
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ENTERPRISE PLANING MILL.
 
        In these days of modern progress and building development, when there is 
such an insistent and increasing demand for finished building materials, it is a 
pleasure to do business with representative concerns that keep thoroughly 
abreast with the times. Such an institution is the planing mill and cabinet shop 
conducted by the Enterprise Planing Mill, which has been an important factor 
aiding building and industrial development in this richly productive community 
of San Joaquin County, where irrigation and good soils properly cultivated are 
creating wealth. The company conducts an extensive business in this territory. 
In their new and conveniently equipped planing mill one finds a full line of 
everything in building materials usually carried by a representative planing 
mill.
        Thirteen years ago a small planing mill was started by Gregg & Son on 
Cherokee Street in Lodi, who conducted the business until 1921, when H. F. Silk 
purchased the interest of Mr. Gregg, Sr., and the firm became known as Silk & 
Gregg. Later George Chesfer Wheelock bought the interest of Ward M. Gregg and 
the firm became known as Silk & Wheelock. They are now doing business as the 
Enterprise Planing Mill, a copartnership. By fair dealing and honest work the 
business grew to such an extent that larger quarters became a necessity, and 
their planing mill and cabinet shop was removed to 625 North Sacramento Street. 
Much new machinery has been installed, including planers, moulders, band saw, 
shaper and a specially designed trim saw built by Mr. Silk. Mr. Silk has had 
eighteen years' experience in the planing-mill and cabinet-making business. He 
is outside, getting in touch with the public and securing new business. Mr. 
Wheelock has been in the business for sixteen years and has charge of the 
office. The third member of the firm is Alfred H. Perry, who was for eighteen 
years foreman for the Pacific Manufacturing Company at Santa Clara, and is now 
in charge of this mill. The machinery and equipment of the new mill cost 
approximately $20,000, thus giving the plant a very large capacity. Lately an 
addition has been made to occupy 50x180 feet. Already it has been found that the 
new quarters are going to he too small, and they are looking for further space 
for enlarging the mill and for the storage of lumber. The firm now has twelve 
first class mechanics on their payroll, and only the very best of work is turned 
out. The Enterprise Planing Mill are loyal boosters for the rich and steadily 
growing communities surrounding the city of Lodi. The policy of this 
organization is to work along progressive lines with other representative 
interests for the upbuilding of the city.
 
History of San Joaquin County, California � Los Angeles, Historic Record Co., 
1923
p    1588      
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler.