Published in the September 21, 2018 edition.

By GAIL LOWE

WAKEFIELD — A collective sigh of disappointment filtered among customers of Crystal Lumber Company when they learned the business on Foundry Street was closing its doors.

CRYSTAL LUMBER on Foundry Street has been sold, and the company will close its doors on Monday, Oct. 1. Shown are company President Paul Gargano, at left, and company Secretary and Clerk William Bloom Jr. (Gail Lowe Photo)

“They’ll be missed,” said one longtime customer who preferred anonymity. “But everyone is wishing them well. They’ve worked hard serving the town through the years.”

The property was sold on Tuesday, Aug. 21 and will be completely vacated by Monday, Oct. 1.

Bryan Melanson of Melanson Development Group in Woburn has purchased the lot and plans to build an 83-unit apartment building.

Company President Paul Gargano, son-in-law of former owner William Bloom Sr. and Wakefield High School graduate, Class of 1971, said he is “ready for retirement.”

Bloom’s son, named for his father, joined the company in 1980 and said he prefers to continue working but has no firm plans in place at this time.

Crystal Lumber has enjoyed a lengthy history in Wakefield that dates back to the 1950s. Over the years, the company has been located on Albion and Foundry streets.

The business was established in 1941 by Arthur T. Locke and Clifford Locke. Arthur managed the business in Wakefield, while Clifford managed the second Locke Lumber location in Needham.

On his return from the U.S. Navy, Bill Bloom Sr. worked at Locke Lumber since he knew the Locke family as both friends and neighbors.

“Bill went to Suffolk Law School, but when the opportunity to buy Locke Lumber came about in November 1951, he jumped at the chance,” said Gargano. Arthur Locke stayed on for several years. Bloom’s sister Evelyn Bloom served as head bookkeeper.

In 1970, he purchased the property at 76 Foundry St. and moved from his former Albion Street location.

At the time, Wakefield was a growing community with a need for three lumber yards. In addition to Bloom’s business, there were Tobey Lumber and Wakefield Lumber.

To remain competitive, Bloom adopted a policy of always supplying the highest grade of lumber and building materials at reasonable prices.

Gargano said that Crystal Lumber always offered a variety of products, from shingles to storm doors, even if they were not stocked on their shelves.

“Because of such a high demand for workers through these busy times, many Wakefield residents worked part-time at the various lumber yards,” said Gargano. “Bill Bloom hired many of the local firefighters and policemen to keep his promise of prompt delivery and the ‘we set the standard for service’ motto.”

Gargano named a few of the workers, including Thomas Carew, Richard Goodwin and David Myette.

In addition, over the years grandsons Paul William Gargano and Richard Byrne and Stephen Byrne have helped out in the lumber yard. Also providing assistance were great-grandsons Matthew Gargano, Joseph Gargano and Paul Gargano Jr. along with William Bloom III.

When Stoneham Lumber closed its doors in 1994, lead salesman Chris Landry joined Crystal Lumber’s staff to promote sales. Then, in March 2010, Carolyn DeTato and Brenda Cleary were hired as bookkeepers. Both have since retired. In addition, the elder Bill Bloom’s grandsons and great-grandsons all worked at the lumberyard at various times.

Bill Bloom operated Crystal Lumber as a sole proprietor until late fall of 1988 when he died at age 72. Then, Gargano was named president and the younger Bill Bloom became secretary and clerk.

For over 37 years Bloom built up a respected business and was a highly thought of member of the business community. His reputation for honesty, his charitable acts and commitment to the community and family were the foundations for which he stood.

“Bill always acted without any fanfare,” said Gargano, “whether it was buying the fixings for a Thanksgiving dinner for the nuns at Nazareth Academy or supporting the St. Joseph drill team or any other cause. He also set up educational funds for his grandkids.”

The elder Bloom belonged to the Wakefield Lions Club and rose to various ranks locally and statewide. He was also instrumental in establishing Santa’s Workshop on the Upper Common, a tradition that continues to this day.

“It’s important to say thank you to all our loyal customers, contractors, homeowners and residents of Wakefield for their patronage and support throughout the years,” said Gargano. “It’s been a privilege to serve the needs of such a growing community. Even though recently we’ve been prosperous, it is with sadness that we are moving on and closing shop. As friends, I’m sure we’ll see many in the future. For those we may not, we thank you for your support.”