...If Im not allowed to post the name, please delete, but this is someone who carries full line hardwoods and has a large retail location. www.woodply.com (I have purchased white oak from him, it is a very pleasant place to deal with, and the workers let you see and pick the boards you want)
I can tell up that in Western Washington there is a large difference in price depending upon where you are at. Living in Bellingham there is only Windsor Plywood (a Canadian corporation) that sells hardwood. Their prices are so high compared to Crosscut Lumber (what a place!!) in Seattle. If I am buying any hardwood, I almost always need to drive to Seattle to get it, even at these high gas prices.
Hey Tod where are you in the Ozarks?
Jay
Bill - drop me a line - I get deliveries from Seattle area every week. Can't pick boards, but it might be an option for you. My shop is in Ferndale.