The story of Holt & Bugbee begins in 1825 with the resourcefulness of Boston-area entrepreneur John Cutter. Determined to build a sawmill in Charlestown, Massachusetts, Cutter sought a steady supply of rough-cut Mahogany — an uncommon ambition in New England at the time. With deep knowledge of the trade and a single bold idea, he forged a partnership with an industrious sea captain: Cutter would provide him with much-needed block ice, carefully packed in sawdust; the captain would transport it to South America and return with a cargo of Mahogany logs. As the ice gradually melted away, the ship’s holds opened up, making room for the valuable timber that would fuel Cutter’s new enterprise.

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By 1850, Cutter’s son-in-law Stephen Holt joined the business, carrying forward its commitment to quality and craftsmanship. A decade later, John Bugbee came aboard, and with his arrival the company took on the name it still proudly bears: Holt & Bugbee.

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As demand grew, Holt & Bugbee moved its operations from Charlestown to Tewksbury, Massachusetts, positioning the company to better serve an expanding customer base throughout New England. In 1994, Holt & Bugbee extended its reach to Mount Braddock, Pennsylvania, establishing a second facility strategically located near premier North Appalachian hardwood sources — most notably the region’s renowned Cherry.

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Continuing its momentum, the company opened a third operation in Boyertown, Pennsylvania, in 1999. Just 40 miles northwest of Philadelphia, this facility strengthened Holt & Bugbee’s presence in the mid-Atlantic region and further expanded its national footprint.

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Today, after five generations of family leadership, Holt & Bugbee is recognized across the Northeast, throughout the United States, and around the globe for exceptional hardwood products and unwavering dedication to service.

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Rooted in its heritage and guided by the values that built the company, Holt & Bugbee continues to thrive 200 years later — an enduring New England enterprise driven by integrity, innovation, and the entrepreneurial spirit that started it all.