About us Today

Since 1896 Matthews & Fields Lumber Company has earned a solid reputation as the leading supplier of top quality lumber, millwork and building materials to builders and homeowners. We have earned this reputation through our dedication and ability to serve the professional contractor. We are known for our honesty and hard-work ethic. Our mandate is to not only meet but to exceed out customers' needs and expectations by providing top quality merchandise, responsive, friendly, and professional customer service.

We currently operate three locations: Greece on the north and west side of Rochester and Henrietta on the south and east side of Rochester, Lancaster in the Buffalo.

Matthews & Fields has a staff of over 60 qualified professionals, we are here to help you get the job done first time, every time. People are our number one asset. We are proud that the majority of our employees and customers have been with us for many years. These commitments come from our pledge to provide unparalleled personal service and outstanding performance at a competitive price.

We value our relationships. Our desire is to have an opportunity to earn your business and have you as a life-long customer. Please visit us today. We can make a difference in your business...

About Us in the Past.

The Matthews family, Isaac and Sylvia, came from England as immigrants to Canada. They were part of a large number of English who came to tame the wild country of Canada. They began in Montreal building docks. They then moved on to Lake Ontario to build more docks for the growing shipping trade. At that time ships were the 18 wheelers of today. The family settled in Lakeport, near Colburg, Ontario. Isaac died suddenly leaving Sylvia with 8 children to raise. Most of her sons grew up to be sailors on Lake Ontario.

Her son Alonzo sailed and traded railroad ties and lumber used in farming to ports around Lake Ontario. In 1890 the schooner, "The Robert MacDonald" was built in Picton, Ontario. The ship measured 70 feet in length and 19 feet in breadth. Alonzo captained the ship and continued trading lumber from Canada for agricultural products.

Alonzo brought his family to the Port of Charlotte to spend the winter. They liked the lively atmosphere in Charlotte and decided to stay. The lived on River Street in Charlotte and kept the lumber on a lot near the Genesee River.

Later they built a house at 3841 Lake Avenue. From here they delivered lumber by horse drawn cart.

Pamela Matthews, daughter of Alonzo, married Leslie Fields in 1920. Leslie became a major contributor to the business along with Lena Matthews, another daughter. One time a nail salesman came to the yard on Stonewood Avenue asking to see Mr. Matthews. Lena sternly stated that she was Miss Matthews and he should be talking to her!

Leslie & Pamela's two sons, Jack & Donald, expanded the business to include the Henrietta store with a new truss plant. The buildings at that sight were built in the winter by Matthews & Fields people. Jack's engineering background led in innovations in machining doors and routing stair stringers.

Today the company is managed by Jack's children, John Fields and Barbara Fields Harmer. And Donald's sons, Scott Fields and Douglas Fields.