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© 2021 The Somerville Times. All rights reserved.
(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries and letters to the Editor of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff or publishers)
Harold Cohen
1/16/1931 – 9/29/2020
To: The Editor and the people of Somerville
I wanted to let the people of Somerville know about the passing of a true Somerville Icon last month. His name was Harold Cohen. He was the co-founder of Somerville Lumber. Along with his brother, Melvin Cohen, they purchased Prospect Lumber on McGrath Highway in 1956. . They renamed the company Somerville Lumber and turned the business into a Retail Powerhouse that employed several thousand employees with 10 different locations in 3 different states.
The Somerville location was the first retail operation in the WORLD that generated over $50,000,00 in sales from one location. They were truly innovative , offering free delivery before anyone in ANY industry. They fueled the DIY craze of the eighties with quality products and pricing, along with unparalleled customer service. They also catered to professional customers. The Cohen’s were notorious for providing credit to people starting out in the trades to help them grow their business. The extensive training that they provided to their employees enabled us for the rest of our lives.
In 1979 I stepped into the picture. I ended up working for Somerville Lumber for 18 years. I went in there desperately needing a job, I met with Harold and he immediately hired me when I mentioned Mr. Hugh Gillen. (Another Somerville Icon) . He gave me a chance when no one else would. Harold had a gift. He truly knew how to motivate and encourage people to excel and reach their true potential. He was one of the most influential people in my life. I am confident that there are hundreds of people that would say the same! His impact on us is still felt today. He truly cared about our family, our future, our happiness and our success I will never forget what he did for me and the many people that were employed at Somerville Lumber . Many of us were from Somerville and the opportunity that Somerville Lumber provided us with, propelled us into successful careers, home ownership and many, many memories.
Harold truly was a Somerville Icon who had a positive impact on the City of Somerville and the many people that were lucky enough to cross paths with him.
Ken Spilman
Derry, NH
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He was a gem. Only when I got screwed over by a contractor did I get to know this. I went and told him why I had no money for my bill and he just said not to worry. I did pay it when I got back on my feet but he was so nice about it. Great guy.
Thank you for this remembrance, Ken. The Cohens epitomized “stakeholder capitalism.” They felt and faithfully fulfilled obligations to all stakeholders—employees, suppliers, the broader community, and of course, their own families.
Tragically, such commitments are no match for “shareholder capitalism.” It’s only obligation is to ruthlessly maximize profit for only one stakeholder group—owners. For me, it feels a lot better to go to a store where employees know my name, know my community, feel a connection, and are invested in maintaining a relationship.
That seems to be a thing of the past. Thirty years ago my neighborhood had two hardware stores. Now, no hardware store, no Somerville Lumber. Just…Home Depot.
Even after the Cohens sold Somerville Lumber, Harold continued to have concern for his former employees, inquiring from time to time about how individual employees were doing. How the new owners were treating them. A true mensch.