DL Bahler, his house was right off of I-70 near the Centerville exit. I have 100 more that I think are all Beech that came out of the Krell-French piano company factory in New Castle. It was built in 1900, and was probably taken down in the 80's or 90's by the guy I bought those from(timbers stored a few miles south of I-70).

I imagine back in the day they used what was locally available. I'm sure walnut wasn't nearly as high priced relatively back then.