CATALDO — For nearly a century, Whiteman Lumber Company has stood as a cornerstone of Idaho’s timber industry. Founded in 1928 by Harry Whiteman to supply timbers to local mines, the company has weathered economic shifts and reinvented itself to remain the state’s oldest continuously operating sawmill. 

Today, under the leadership of Nathan Corkill, Whiteman Lumber specializes in producing detailed, custom timber packages for timber frame homes, event centers and commercial buildings. The mill also serves mines across the United States and Canada. 

“The mine business sustained operations until the 1990s when economic and environmental issues forced the curtailment of most mining,” Corkill said. “Since then, we have re-invented ourselves many times and ultimately found steady business in the timber frame market.” 

Corkill’s connection to the mill runs deep. His parents purchased the business from the Whiteman family in 1988, and he grew up working there. After serving 16 years in the United States Marine Corps and four years in the Colorado Air National Guard, Corkill and his wife, Jennifer, returned to Idaho in 2023. They officially purchased the mill in January 2024. 

“It’s equal parts both,” Corkill said when asked if running the mill was a dream come true or something he fell into. “I grew up working around the mill and always enjoyed the atmosphere and lifestyle. Our decision to come back to the sawmill has been positively reinforced every day.” 

Whiteman Lumber’s longevity is rooted in its people. The sawyer has been with the company for 52 years, the foreman for 36, the millwright for 37 and the office manager for 34. Corkill calls them family. 

“We survive on quality and everyone here strives for it,” he said. “I’m humbled daily by the effort, knowledge and dedication of our employees.” 

Looking ahead, Corkill hopes to maintain the company’s strong position in the timber frame market while exploring new opportunities. With Whiteman Lumber approaching its 100th anniversary in 2028, Corkill is eager to celebrate that milestone. 

For more information, visit www.whitemanlumber.com, email [email protected], or call 208-682-4602. The mill operates Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.