Frank Everett

Frank Everett & Co. historical building (2015)

In Chehalis, Everett was engaged in the hardware business. He opened his own store, but sold it later to Deveresse & Maynard to be able to go to California, where he spent eighteen months. After his return, in 1889, Everett bought the store again, and with his partner, F. M. Power, established Everett & Power. Later, Everett bought his partner's share and paired up with Charles W. Maynard, renaming the firm Maynard & Everett. In 1900, Maynard ran for state treasurer, leaving Everett the sole owner. Lewis county treasurer A. C. St. John eventually bought Maynard's share, and after that it was called Frank Everett & Company. Despite the turnover in partners, Everett remained head of the firm until his retirement, and was credited for its success. By 1903, the store had become the largest in the county. The size of the main building was 60 ft × 100 ft (18 m × 30 m), and there was also an annex and storage building, sized 50 ft × 110 ft (15 m × 34 m). The firm provided large stocks of wagons, carriages, farm machinery, stoves, and some builders' hardware; it was also engaged in the plumbing business.[3][7] Everett retired from the hardware business in 1909 to engage fully in furniture manufacture.[7][8]

Meanwhile, the hardware company kept the name Frank Everett & Company and continued to grow. Everett's share was taken over by his previous partners, F. M. Power and A. C. St. Jones. By 1916, the main building was renovated and expanded, and the foundation for a three-story warehouse on Pacific Avenue was put in, covering the 100 ft × 120 ft (30 m × 37 m) piece of land.[9][7][8] By 1920, it was successfully operated by the Hansen-Scott Company. Its establishers, J. D. Hansen and W. E. Scott, had previously worked for Frank Everett & Company as vice-president and travelling representative.[10] In 1924, the Hansen-Scott Company's purchase of the Frank Everett & Company three-story warehouse was called "one of the largest real estate transfers in Chehalis."[11] As of 2020, this building, located at 546 Northwest Pacific Avenue, was featured on the official Chehalis history tour.[12]

By 1903, Everett became stockholder and served as president of the Chehalis Furniture & Manufacturing Company. The company produced bedroom sets, tables, and kitchen furniture; its facilities included a factory, drying houses, and various machinery and appliances. By 1903, about 175 men worked in the factory and mills.[3]

After his retirement from the hardware business in 1909, Everett gave his full attention to furniture manufacture. He worked as a manufacturer until he developed health problems.[9][7][8]