Gillon Lumber to Shutter Doors

One of the Richmond District's oldest businesses, Gillon Lumber, has ceased doing business as a lumber and hardware store.

According to Sophia Abuda, co-owner of the business, there are not enough customers to make the business profitable. Business is down because of competition from chain stores, a shifting customer base and increased parking congestion.

Booker is sub-leasing, for seven years, the former lumber yard's site, located at 3931 Geary Blvd., for use as a produce wholesale outlet.

Gillon was founded on the Pt. Lobos Toll Road (now Geary Boulevard) in 1896 by Edward E. Gillon. He ran the operation until he passed away in 1934.

The lumber business was sold to Robert Byard, who ran the operation for another 47 years. He built a home on 13th Avenue (now Funston Avenue) and raised his family in the District.

Byard's grandson, Brandon Smith, took over in 1981 and kept customers happy until 1992.

The fourth, and final, owners of Gillon Lumber were Sophia Abuda, her husband Jan Booker and Sophia's sister Melanie.