Lucky Strike - Longleaf Lumber

RICHMOND, VA ~ 1908

In 1871, R. A. Patterson in Richmond, Virginia, introduced a brand of chewing tobacco called Lucky Strike. Thirty five years later, that same name would transition to the cigarette that can still be purchased today. R.A. Patterson was acquired by American Tobacco Company which commissioned a new warehouse in 1908 after their previous warehouse was destroyed by fire. Built along the James River, it was one of six manufacturing facilities in what would become known as "Tobacco Row."

No city in the world produced more cigarettes than Richmond in the 40s. The Lucky Strike factory alone could make 100 million a day. But this boom was followed by a period of decline that began with health studies in the 1950s that proved the harmful effects of smoking, followed by increasing public awareness of this fact through the 60s. As tobacco companies relocated and consolidated in the 80s, Richmond's cigarette manufacturing facilities began to close. Lucky Strike closed its doors in Richmond in 1981.

The 1990s brought new life to these buildings as incentivized developers adapted the abandoned warehouses and factories, creating new residential and commercial space. Lucky Strike was the last building on The Row to undergo this transformation.

Longleaf acquired a substantial lot of Heart Pine decking from the Lucky Strike building. We milled this material into 4½″ tongue and groove flooring with squared ends. The lot had an unusually high percentage of yellow heart intermixed with the more common red heart color, imbuing the boards with vibrant contrast. Knot content is moderate, and nail holes were occasional. The most distinctive characteristic of this batch was its high resin content that will help this floor stand up to many years of use, and (of course) “It’s Toasted!”

Original paneling was also saved during the deconstruction. This captivating painted paneling was milled years ago with a simple, single bead. Edges are the original square profile, slightly rounded with time. Thousands of feet are available in a single width with nice lengths. We wire-brushed these boards to clean them up a bit. Most of the paint remains on the surface, but there are places worn down to the wood. The feel is light with a hint of history, a view into the years when men and women worked in the rooms clad with this paneling.