From a Broken Wagon Wheel to a Midwest Powerhouse
Did you know one of Butler’s most iconic businesses started because of a breakdown? Back in the 1850s, Richard Westover was headed to Oklahoma when a wagon wheel snapped near Passaic. He took one look at the land and said, "This is as good a place as any."
That "accidental" stop planted the seeds for South Side Lumber Company (or "Westover’s Sawmill" to the locals!). From Ebert and Phebe Westover’s hard-earned start in 1945 to Ivan Westover’s decades of growth, this mill has been the heartbeat of our community.
Trial by Fire
In 2007, a new chapter began when long-time employee Ron Jones bought the company from Ivan. But the challenge was immediate: shortly after taking over, the original 1945 sawmill building burned to the ground.
With no insurance on the historic structure, Ron didn't just rebuild—he did it with record speed. His priority? The people. He got the mill back up and running so fast that not a single employee missed a paycheck. That’s the kind of leadership that defines Bates County.
Local Roots, National Reach
Today, South Side Lumber isn’t just a "local sawmill." They are a modern powerhouse:
* Shipping Coast-to-Coast: Their high-quality lumber travels across the Upper Midwest and as far as California.
* Zero Waste: Every part of the tree is used—from furniture-grade oak to fuel for universities.
* Giving Back: They proudly donate sawdust to the Bates County Fair, as well as our local 4H and FFA youth.
Next time you see a South Side Lumber truck, remember: it all started with a broken wheel and a whole lot of grit.
#MidAmericaLive
