MCPHAIL FUEL COMPANY

Building Maintenance > Home Renovation Supplies

Neil McPhail, a Canadian emigrant to the United States originally from Scotland, founded the company in 1884 by establishing a livery stable in San Rafael. Teams of McPhail’s horses transported railroad and PG&E work crews as well as the fashionable visitors from San Francisco vacationing at the Hotel Rafael.
Expanded use of the automobile caused the livery business to decline. Therefore, in 1924, Neil’s sons, John and Graham, joined him in creating McPhail Fuel Company. With a power-driven saw and a Model “T” Truck, they cut and delivered wood to Marin County homes. Coal and fuel oil were added to their product portfolio near the end of the decade as customer demand increased for these energy sources.
The company’s natural expansion to heating equipment and appliances occurred in the 1930’s. In addition, the firm endeavored to balance out the seasonal fluctuations in sales and to provide year-round work for their employees. To accomplish this goal, the company purchased two companies, Grady Building Materials and Checla Company, and began selling building materials and ready-mix concrete.

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