I am trying to find a source of lumber online but not having much luck.  I am looking for 1/2" hardwood lumber like they sell at Lowes but they only carry Red Oak.  Any ideas? Thanks

http://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=ohio+hardwood+lumber+dealers&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8

look up cabinet shops in your area. Chances are good they'll mill any species to whatever size you want.

Already tried that. The problem is finding the 1/2" stock. 19suburban96 that's an idea I hadn't thought of, thanks!

Sounds like a good excuse for some new tools. A planer and a resaw. Get a laguna band saw.

This.

I checked with my local cabinet shop (who incidentally put the cabinets in my house when it was constructed) and they said they frequently sell quality wood to the public.  My local lumber yard even said to check with them.

Next time you are at Lowes or Home Depot, go to the magazine rack and look at some of the woodworking magazines (Wood Magazine for example).  Flip to the back 10 pages or so and you'll see a number of online wood vendors.  

Examples
Berea Hardwoods
Steve Wall Lumber Co.

Also check your yellow pages and find a lumber mill near you.  Wurth Wood Group is the one in Charlotte.  If you didn't know about them, you never would unless you looked in the yellow pages (or google in today's world).

1/2" is likely something you are going to have to have milled if you want something in quantity.  If you are just looking for short pieces (24-36 inches), you can get that from both woodcraft as well as rockler.

www.rockler.com

http://www.walllumber.com/default.asp