In the heart of Port Jervis, New York, where tradition and craftsmanship meet community pride, Berthiaume’s Neversink Lumber Co. Inc. has stood for more than 75 years—not just as a hardware store, but as a family legacy that has grown hand in hand with the city itself.
Founded in 1949 by George Berthiaume, a local developer with a vision to help homeowners and builders alike, the business has been passed through four generations of the same family. Today, Jim Rohner, George’s grandson, runs the company together with his two nieces, Jean Miller and Marianne Ramos, who proudly represent the fourth generation of ownership.
“It’s an honor to carry on that tradition,” Jim said with a smile. “It shows our pride in both the family and the community. Back then, competition looked different—today you’ve got online shopping and big box stores—but we still do rather well because we stay true to what matters most: quality and personal service.”
From handwritten receipts to the digital age
When Jim first joined the family business in the late 1960s, things were simpler—no fax machines, no internet, and no rush to check emails before sunrise.
“When I started, we worked from eight to five,” Jim recalled. “Now I’m here by 5:30 in the morning, because our contractors want to be on the job by seven. You have to accommodate that. It’s worth it.”
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Jean and Marianne manage the company’s accounting and office operations today, continuing the same hands-on, personable approach taught by their grandmother and mother before them.
“We try to do things the same way they did,” Jean said. “We know our contractors by name. We know how they like their bills done. If someone’s having a rough week, we work with them. It’s all about understanding and trust.”
‘Where quality rules’
That sense of integrity is reflected in the company’s slogan, proudly printed on their iconic ruler-shaped logo: “Where Quality Rules.”
Neversink Lumber offers a full range of products—from Benjamin Moore paints to Andersen windows, premium lumber, and True Value hardware tools—all handpicked for their durability and craftsmanship. “People sometimes say they can find something cheaper elsewhere,” Jim explained. “I tell them—go look at theirs, then come look at ours. You’ll see the difference. We stock premium-grade lumber. You get what you pay for.”
As part of the True Value Hardware network, Neversink Lumber maintains the personal touch of a small business with the buying power of a national group. “Our prices stay competitive,” Jean said. “So if someone wants a hammer or paintbrush, we can match the big box stores—but we’ll also carry their purchase to the car and deliver for free.”
Service that comes with a smile
The store’s dedication to service goes beyond transactions—it’s a relationship. Whether it’s cutting lumber to size or delivering a single bag of rock salt to an elderly neighbor, Jim and his team take every request seriously. “It doesn’t matter if it’s a whole lumber order or one bag of salt,” Jim said. “We’ll deliver it at no charge. That’s just who we are.”
Inside the store, Jean is known for her eye for color and design—helping customers choose from Benjamin Moore’s vast palette—while Marianne keeps the aisles spotless and inventory organized. “When customers come back and say, ‘It looks beautiful,’ that’s the best feeling,” Jean said.
Rebuilding from the ashes
One of the most defining chapters in the company’s long history came on Nov. 13, 1984, when a devastating fire destroyed the entire lumber yard. “It burnt to the ground,” Jim remembered. “But the very next day, we had the support of the whole community—the mayor, the council, contractors, friends. Everyone came to help us rebuild.”
By August 1985, just nine months later, the business reopened in a modern, fireproof building—stronger than ever. “They always say, out of the ashes came something better,” Jim said. “And that was true for us.”
A true part of the community
Beyond selling building materials, Neversink Lumber has become a cornerstone of community life. The company sponsors local sports teams, school fundraisers, fire and police department events, and even supports the Outdoor Club of Port Jervis, helping build and maintain hiking and biking trails that draw visitors from across the region.
“When the community grows, we grow with it,” Jim said. “Whether it’s donating materials or selling at cost for local projects, we’re proud to be a small part of what makes Port Jervis better.”
Building the future, one generation at a time
For Jean and Marianne, continuing the business isn’t just about lumber and paint—it’s about legacy. “It’s proudly carrying on what our grandfather envisioned,” Marianne said. “He built this for the community, and we want to keep it going the same way.”
And as Jim looks to the next generation, his passion for helping others—whether contractors or first-time homeowners—remains as strong as ever. “When someone walks in unsure of where to start, and you can guide them—help them make the right choice, see their project come to life—that’s what makes it all worthwhile.”
For more information, visit www.neversinklumber.net or call 845-856-5161.
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