One morning earlier this week, Thomas Lupo, the president and CEO of the American Wood Column Corporation, was in his office regaling two young entrepreneurs with tales of his 110-year-old family business. They had just learned that Lupo’s company was about to close, and they’d come to East Williamsburg to learn about his nearly extinct craft: making ornamental decoration from compo — a mixture of sawdust, glue and whiting. Lupo seemed a little surprised at their interest. “No one wanted me, and now they love me,” said the 72-year-old. “I should go out of business more often!”
Those in need of a 12-foot Corinthian pillar, elaborate crown moldings, or a rococo ceiling medallion should place their orders ASAP. Lupo believes his business is one the few compo-ornamentation outfits still operating in the United States. “And we’re the only one in New York. There’s not much demand for it because people don’t know what to do with it,” said Lupo. But it isn’t necessarily a slowdown in the industry that’s nudging him to shut down. After 51 years in the business, he and his aging crew are thinking it’s time to retire.
