A Fort Pierce Cornerstone for More Than a Century

When East Coast Lumber & Supply Company established its Fort Pierce operations in 1904, the city was still defining itself — a young waterfront community shaped by agriculture, maritime trade, and the promise of growth along Florida’s east coast. From the beginning, East Coast Lumber became an essential part of that story, supplying the materials that helped Fort Pierce grow from a small coastal town into the vibrant city it is today.

Founded in 1902 in Eau Gallie, Florida, East Coast Lumber was created to serve the building and agricultural needs of a rapidly developing region. Just two years later, company leaders recognized Fort Pierce’s strategic importance as a transportation and commercial hub along the Indian River Lagoon. Land was purchased, and a lumberyard, millwork operation, and corporate headquarters were established — facilities that remain at the heart of the company’s operations more than 120 years later.

Supporting a growing city
In the early 1900s, Fort Pierce was driven by citrus, fishing, and farming. East Coast Lumber supplied not only building materials but also crate kits used by growers to ship produce nationwide. Lumber arrived by schooner, rail, and wagon — including shipments carried by the company’s own vessel, The Sunny South, long before modern trucking routes existed.

As Fort Pierce expanded, East Coast Lumber expanded with it. Homes, commercial buildings, docks, and civic structures throughout the region relied on the company’s materials and millwork. The Fort Pierce mill became a key operation, producing custom wood products that supported local builders and tradespeople for generations.

Service through challenge and change
East Coast Lumber’s Fort Pierce location weathered some of the most challenging periods in American history. During World War I, the company supplied materials for military facilities and supported national defense efforts. In World War II, East Coast Lumber implemented policies ensuring that Fort Pierce employees who entered military service continued to receive income support — a reflection of the company’s commitment to its people
and community.

The Great Depression forced difficult decisions, including the closure of some regional yards, but Fort Pierce remained a core operation. Through economic downturns, hurricanes, housing booms, and industry shifts, East Coast Lumber adapted — modernizing operations while preserving the relationships and values that had defined the company from the start.

Still family-owned, Fort Pierce-based
Today, East Coast Lumber & Supply Company is family-owned and operated Allen Osteen and Don Osteen, descendants of its founders, with Fort Pierce continuing to serve as the company’s corporate and operational anchor. While the company now supports builders across multiple Florida communities, Fort Pierce remains central to its identity — both geographically and historically.

Modern facilities, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and a knowledgeable team allow East Coast Lumber to meet the needs of today’s builders, contractors, and homeowners. Yet the company’s philosophy remains unchanged: provide dependable materials, expert service, and long-term partnerships built on trust.

Part of Fort Pierce’s past and future
For more than a century, East Coast Lumber has helped shape Fort Pierce — board by board, project by project. From early waterfront construction to today’s residential and commercial growth, the company’s legacy is woven into the city itself.

As Fort Pierce celebrates 125 years, East Coast Lumber proudly celebrates more than 120 years of service — and looks forward to continuing its role in building the community for generations to come.