Company History

J C ORR & SON, INC., has over a century of experience in the building construction business and is the oldest construction firm in Blair County. The firm was established in 1882 by James Crawford Orr. At that time this business began as a lumber planing mill and soon expanded into construction. In 1903 Roy Orr, the son of J. C. Orr, became president of the company and this is when the firm established its name.

In 1929 Joseph H. Orr, Sr., son of Roy Orr, was attending Lehigh University. He came home to Altoona and began to guide the family business through this difficult period. During his tenure, J C Orr & Son began to complete much larger projects.

Joseph H. Orr, Jr., the son of Joseph H. Orr, Sr., graduated from Lehigh University in 1952 with a degree in Civil Engineering. After serving in the United States Army, he began working with his father in 1955 and had led the firm for over thirty years. His son, Joseph H. Orr, III, started working with the firm in 1980.

Joseph H. Orr, III, a fifth generation, continued the tradition by graduating from Lehigh University and received a degree in Civil Engineering and a Masters Degree in Business. He is currently Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the company.

J C Orr & Son, Inc., still operates a retail lumberyard. This lumberyard has been serving customers successfully for 122 years. Orr Lumber services building, roofing, sheet metal and heating contractors within a 90-mile radius of Altoona. Zane Seilhamer is currently the General Manager.

J C Orr & Son, Inc., is proud of its heritage and tradition. Many of the buildings in Blair County and surrounding areas stand as testaments to the Orr Family’s century of quality and dedication. The 122 years in business speaks for itself and reflects the reputation of J C Orr & Son as a premier builder in Central Pennsylvania.

Union Roofing & Sheet Metal Co., which was founded in 1900, was purchased by Joseph H. Orr, Sr., in 1960. The Orr family has continued to operate and manage this business. Union Roofing is managed by Gerry Rubritz and completed commercial and industrial roofing throughout Central Pennsylvania.