Adelaide Shugart, whose husband founded Monument Lumber in 1952, and whose family continues to keep the popular lumber yard doors open 72 years later, will chalk up her 100th birthday on Friday.
Until recently she continued to drive to the company on Tuesdays, where she kept a sharp eye on the inventory since 2000.
“If you made a mistake, she’d catch it,” said Collene Kerber, bookkeeper at Monument Lumber. “She’s sharp and she knows the business.”
Still operating at its original location at 2111 Freedom Blvd., the business runs with Shugart’s sons, Mark and Calvin at the helm.
“It’s been a family-run business all along,” said Shugart’s daughter-in-law, Ruth Shugart.
Adelaide was born in Watsonville on Feb. 23, 1924, where her family lived and operated a dairy on Carlton Road. She attended an elementary school on that road, and then middle and high school at Monte Vista Christian School where she graduated as class valedictorian in 1942.
“They were huge classes back then,” Shugart joked. “At Carlton Elementary, the class had 13 students; and there were five in my graduating class at Monte Vista.”
Monument Lumber, which stands on 4.5 acres, states on their website that their goal is to serve contractors, homeowners, and industrial customers around the Central Coast. Today, it is run by second generation owners, Mark and Calvin Shugart. The business features everything from lumber, plywood, doors and windows, to hardware and tools, fencing, decking, roofing, and plumbing.
When asked about her key to success, she simply said, “Mainly, our heavenly father and our dependable employees. And our loyal customers. Customers are what makes a lumber yard go.”
In 2021 the Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture named Monument Lumber Business of the Year.
“The business, which has supported various youth programs, churches, missionaries and schools, and awarded scholarships to local students, came to the service of the community during last year’s CZU Lighting Complex Fires,” a statement from the Chamber reads.
In 2012 Shugart lost her husband of 59 years, Maybern “Red” Shugart, who died on Addelaide’s birthday at age 86. The couple had been instrumental in supporting various businesses around the Pajaro Valley, including Green Valley Christian Church.
Adelaide continues to live at the Shugart’s family home near Pinto Lake City Park. She says one of her favorites hobbies is sewing.
“I’ve done a little bit of everything here at the yard,” Shugart said, “including delivery; I once drove the truck to deliver a keg of nails. I sure appreciate the privilege of having lived in Watsonville all these years. Above all my faith in God has kept me going, and my love of my boys.”
A great, locally owned company!