A third generation company in any industry is quite an accomplishment, but in the "roller-coaster ride" of the building industry, it is truly something to be proud of. This is just the case with Edwards Construction Company, located in Fort Smith.

The craftsmenship and tradition handed down from father to son, got it's start way back in 1905. John Holder Edwards married Elizabeth Abee that year, and built their first home in Sulfur Springs, Arkansas. The house was a real "stand-out", because it was the first home in the community to have exterior paint. John Holder ordered the paint from Sears and Roebuck, and traveled by horse and buggy to Mena, Arkansas to meet the train for the delivery.

His early married years were not met with much

material success. Days were filled with long hours of carpentry and timber work. John Holder, along with his brothers, Gip and Marian, also operated one of the earliest shingle mills.

Elizabeth and J.H. moved their family to Mt. Ida, Arkansas in the early 1920's. A son, Gerald, was born to them in 1926. Work opportunities were improving during these years; then came the "Great Depression".

Edwards Construction built stone schools, gymnasiums, and bridges at this time through W.P.A. projects, under President Roosevelt's "New Deal".

Many of these structures are still in use today throughout Polk and Montgomery Counties.

J.H. moved his company to Fort Smith in 1936. He built as his first project, the home of C.C. Roberts; who was pastor of Grand Avenue Baptist Church.

Son, Gerald, returned to his bride, Lahoma, from World War II naval service in 1946 and joined his father's business. The building industry was booming during the late 1940's, as society tried to make up for time lost during the war years.

Gerald's and Lahoma's oldest son, David, was born in 1952, and just as his father before him, grew up working with and learning much from his dad.

J.H. retired during the mid 1950's and Gerald continued the business with an emphasis on large, custom homes. Small commercial buildings and multi-family projects were also constructed, as this need was exhibited through the years.

Son, David, graduated from Arkansas Tech University in 1974 with a degree in business administration. He joined, and in later years became a partner with his father in the firm. Recently, the company has also expanded to include "Wood Mode Fine Custom Cabinetry".

Today, if J.H. Edwards were alive to see the company

he founded, he would be amazed with it's progress. A computer helps pin-point the exact cost of on-going and prospective projects. A home has been constructed with the sun as it's major energy source; one of Fort Smith's first and finest solar projects.

Son, Gerald, and grandson, David, are active members of their local and state homebuilder's associations; with David serving as state treasurer this year.

The eighty two years that have come since that first "painted house", have brought with them many changes. The elements of this long-standing company however, remain unchanged. Fine craftsmanship and a dedication to service will continue to be it's mainstay.

Edwards Construction Company stands proudly on the reputation it has built, and eagerly looks forward to the challenge of making quality contributions through the building industry.

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Update to this article:
David's father, Gerald, is now retired and David heads the Edwards Construction Company. David currently serves on the Board Of Directors of the Fort Smith Association of Homebuilders.

This article reprinted from the September, 1987 issue of The Arkansas Builder - Official Publication of the Arkansas Home Builders Association. All copyrights remain the properties of the respective copyright holders.