About Bliffert Lumber

Our History

Established in the 1880s by Christian Meckelberg, North Side Lumber & Fuel Company quickly became a cornerstone of the near-northside community. We supplied essential building materials like lumber, nails, windows, and roofing, playing a vital role in constructing many homes around North Avenue, Holton Street, and Chambers Street. Beyond just stocking materials, we provided millwork services, produced flooring, and offered a wide variety of soft and hardwood sourced from both North and South America. Additionally, we supplied eastern anthracite coal, ensuring homes and businesses had the fuel needed for cooking, heating, and operating steam-powered machinery.

Our coal and lumber were delivered via a rail spur from the Milwaukee Road’s northbound City Line. In 1904, the company was officially incorporated as North Side Lumber & Fuel Company. Around the same time, a young J.P. Bliffert, who worked at the local bank, met Christian's daughter Lorella, who was responsible for the daily bank deposits. After marrying Lorella, J.P. took on increasing responsibilities and managed the business for several years under the North Side Lumber name.

Following World War I, the company rebranded to reflect the Bliffert family's ownership—a legacy that continues to this day. Bliffert Lumber has grown to become the leading supplier of quality residential and commercial building materials in Southern Wisconsin, focusing on the needs of professional contractors and homeowners. Now in our sixth generation of Bliffert family ownership, we take pride in being family-owned and operated, ensuring that the personal service we’re known for shines through at each of our fourteen locations.

THE BLIFFERT FAMILY OF COMPANIES
Bliffert Lumber & Hardware - Milwaukee
Bliffert Lumber, Hardware & Design - Portage
Bliffert Lumber & Design - Waukesha, Germantown, Oostburg,
   Sturtevant, Sun Prairie, McFarland, DeForest
Bliffert Lumber - Milwaukee & Oak Creek
Bliffert Industrial Lumber - Cudahy
Milwaukee Cabinetry - Milwaukee
Fillinger Millwork - Milwaukee