It’s now a RONA building supply centre, one of six stores in the Doidge Building Centres chain – but the history of the store at 90 Dissette St. in Bradford goes back 100 years.
It was 1919 when James Spence opened “Spence Lumber,” on Holland St. East near Colborne St. The store remained in the family, and at its Holland St. location, through the Great Depression, the War Years, and the years of change that followed.
James was succeeded by his son, A.W. Spence, then by grandson Keith Noble. By the time great-grandson Ron Noble took over, Spence Lumber had outgrown its limited retail space, and needed to adapt to new building trends – including the growing do-it-yourself sector.
In 1990, Ron Noble made the move to the 4-acre property on Dissette, and transformed Spence’s from a lumber yard, into Spence’s Homecare Building Centre. He later joined the TIMBR-Mart banner, and it was as a TIMBR-Mart that the store was purchased by Dennis Doidge.
In 2017, Doidge Building Centres became an affiliate of Lowe’s Canada, and all six locations – including the Bradford store – were rebranded as RONA building centres.
But it’s the same location, the same great staff, and the same commitment to the community, which is why the Bradford RONA store at 90 Dissette celebrated a 100th anniversary on Saturday.
“It really is a special occasion, 100 years,” said Bradford West Gwillimbury Mayor Rob Keffer, congratulating Dennis Doidge on maintaining and expanding the business. “A growing community certainly needs their lumber yard, and a place to go for their renovations.”
Keffer added, “The name has changed. The service and supplies have always been there.”
York-Simcoe MP Scot Davidson presented Doidge with a certificate, and a Canadian flag. “We always give a flag with a 100th Anniversary. It’s important to Canada,” MP Davidson said, praising the “hard work and dedication” needed to survive in a changing economic environment.
“Hard work and initiative are the backbone of the economy,” Davidson said, noting that the store provides advice for both professional contractors, and the home handyman – and that businesses with a 100-year history are rare. “You should take great pride in receiving this plaque… It’s small business, driving the Canadian economy and Canada forward.”
Doidge also received congratulations from the Bradford Board of Trade, and the Mayor and Council.
“We really appreciate what this business has done over the years,” said Mayor Keffer.
“I would like to thank everyone for coming out,” Doidge said. “It’s overwhelming. Thank you very much from all of us, to all of you.”
The May 11 celebration at RONA included in-store specials, a barbecue, prizes and birthday cake. Doidge was joined by store manager Brad Bartlett, as he cut the cake – with a handsaw.
The store was collecting donations of non-perishable food for the Helping Hand Food Bank, as part of the special occasion.