
Learn the History of Arnold Lumber & Ready-Mixed Concrete
The Early Years
In May 1951, Robert L. Arnold graduated from Clarkson College with a degree in mechanical engineering. His mother then suggested that he go see her employer, George A. Thomas, about a job. He got his first lessons in the feed business before Mr. Thomas decided to sell the company to Robert’s family. The Arnolds went into business as Malone Feed & Farm Supply Inc. Some years after, the company changed direction, discontinuing the marketing of farm machinery. Robert’s father, Thomas Arnold, was a local contractor, and he decided to expand the business to sell building materials.
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The article cited from the Malone Evening Telegram, Malone, NY
“New Corporation Buys Thomas Farm Supply Business
A business transaction of major importance was announced here today with the purchase by a new corporation of the extensive farm machinery, feed, and supply business of George A. Thomas at 259 Elm St.
The business has been bought by the Malone Feed and Farm Supply, Inc., and will be operated under that name. Officers are well-known local people, including Robert L. Arnold, president; Thomas H. Arnold, vice-president; Mrs. Isabel Arnold, secretary-treasurer. Directors include these officers and Mrs. H. C. H. Herold.
The new owners are now operating the business and, for the present, will conduct it along the same lines as in the past.
The property includes the large two-story stock and display building of brick and concrete construction, which fronts Elm St., a feed mill, and other buildings. It is one of the best-known farm supply businesses in this area.
Both Robert L. Arnold and Mrs. Isabel Arnold will devote their full time to the enterprise.
Mrs. Arnold has been connected with the business under Mr. Thomas’ ownership for the past 23 years.
Robert L. Arnold, who is a son of Thomas H. Arnold, is a graduate of Franklin Academy and served two years in the Navy during World War 2. Following the war, he completed his education at Clarkson College of Technology, from which he was graduated last June.
Thomas H. Arnold is a well-known and long-time resident of this community and for 40 years has been engaged in the building business in Malone.
Mrs. Herold is the wife of Dr. H. C. H. Herold of Montclair, N.J., and is a sister of Thomas Arnold and a Malone native. The Herolds spend the summers at their Lake Titus camp and have many friends in this community.
Among the lines handled by the firm are New Idea farm machinery, Papec farm machinery, and Eshelman feeds. In the line of implements and equipment, the establishment carries an extensive stock.
Sale of the property ends more than 33 years of ownership by George A. Thomas, who was elected president of the Farmers National Bank about April 1, 1950, a position which requires all of his time and energies.
Mr. Thomas purchased the farm implement business of the late Joseph E. Forkey, then located on Pearl St., Jan. 1, 1918, and continued at that location until 1922 when he purchased the present Elm St. property from Austin-Ryan Company.
Mr. Thomas expanded the business and added feed and fertilizer departments. In 1929, to accommodate this growth, he erected the large and modern stock and display building.
Mr. Thomas is a past president of the Malone Kiwanis Club, and local Kiwanians recall a ladies’ night banquet held by the club in the spacious display room to celebrate the opening of the building.
The Growth of the Company
Robert's Sons
By the early 1980s, Robert’s sons were full-time employees and very active in the business. The company was flourishing, and Mr. Arnold wanted to continue its expansion. He decided to buy a concrete plant to produce Redi-Mix concrete. Robert passed away in May 1988, leaving his sons to carry on his legacy. The business continued to grow, and the brothers decided to implement their father’s ideas to renew and modernize the entire showroom.
Continued Improvement
The Arnolds
The brothers felt it was time for a change of direction, and, with the feed business waning, they decided to close it down. In July 1990, they renamed the company Malone Lumber and Ready-Mix Inc. (MLRM). In March 1998, an opportunity arose with the retirement of local fuel dealer Connors Oil. The brothers bought the business and renamed it Arnold Oil Inc. The acquisition, which included a gas station, supplemented the existing lumber and ready-mix operations. This allowed the brothers to provide Malone and the surrounding communities with heating oil, gas, diesel, and kerosene products and services for heating systems.
A New Era
The Remodel
In 2000, the retail store was completely remodeled, and a new structure was built in place of what used to be the heart and soul of Malone Feed & Farm Supply. The new store, which was over 8000 square feet, allowed customers to shop with ease in wide aisles and under improved lighting.
Dan and Tom Arnold branched out in July 2001. They purchased a neighboring business, Upstate Memorials, and renamed it to Arnold Monuments Inc.
In June 2009, the brothers established Arnold Pre-Cast Inc. This allowed the company to provide products and services that both dovetail and integrate with existing ready-mix and monument operations. At the same time, it allowed for the expansion of the lines of the building supply/materials business.
Our Company Today
The Arnolds
Dan Arnold retired and his brother, Tom, bought his part of the business in 2017. Tom’s son, Luke, also joined the company to follow in his father’s footsteps. Joshua, Tom’s other son, is currently serving the country in the U.S. Army. Tom hopes that when Joshua returns home, he will decide to join the family business as well. Hannah, Tom’s daughter, is in school, furthering her education in the marketing and advertising field. Her knowledge could be a great asset to the company in the future. We would like to thank all those who have supported us since 1951. To our future customers, we would like to welcome you to Arnold Lumber & Concrete family!