In 1929, the two lumber yards operating in Ridgeway merged to become one, officially changing the name to the Ridgeway Lumber company. The two lumber yards were the Miner & Frees yard, which operated along the railroad behind the hotel and the Crossan-Zingerle Lumber company, which had started out as the Cadle lumber yard in Ridgeway’s early days. Both yards were a vital part of Ridgeway’s economy for many years. The yards were purchased by M. R. Smith of Kansas City who also owned yards in Blythedale, Eagleville, Lamoni and Ford City as well as owning three lumber mills in the state of Washington. Mrs. Martha A. and Charles F. Miner kept some interest in the yards and he planned a cooperative business where the employees would become part owners as well. “It is not known yet whether the sheds will be torn down or the yard goods moved across the street to the new company or whether both yards will be operated.” (Ridgeway Journal, July 25, 1929)
