A farm family, a few hours and a stand that stuck
Bowling's Last Stand is made by Bowling Enterprises, a family owned company in Bear Lake, Michigan. As the name says, it may be the last Christmas tree stand you ever buy.
How it started
In December 1989, Floyd Bowling Jr and Floyd Bowling Sr were looking for new ways to add to their farm income. Using materials they had on hand, they built a prototype tree stand in a matter of hours. They patented the design soon after and took to the streets to sell it.
The stand is made of steel and it is still close to that first version. There have been a few small improvements over the years. It remains a simple, quality piece that, honestly, sells itself.
People noticed
In December 1992 the stand was mentioned in The Wall Street Journal. The Courier Journal in Louisville, Kentucky compared eight stands on how well they worked, how easy they were and how they looked, and rated ours number one. The reviewers pointed to the T bolts, which turn more easily than ordinary stand screws, and the built in water bowl.
Why we still build it this way
Holidays are busy. Most people put the tree up at the last minute, after work, with kids running around. We want that part to take a few minutes and then be done, with no worrying that the tree will come down in the night. Steel does that. Plastic does not.
More than 35 years in Bear Lake
1989
Floyd Bowling Jr and Sr build the first stand on the farm and start making them that December.
Patented
The design is patented soon after and stays close to the original to this day.
1992
The stand is mentioned in The Wall Street Journal. The Courier Journal ranks it first of eight.
Today
Sold direct from Bear Lake and in more than 230 stores across 25 states and Ontario.
Where your stand is made
A few things customers have told us
My opinion is that it belongs in the Permanent Design Collection of The Museum of Modern Art.
After spending 2 hours last year putting up our tree, we had the tree up in 20 minutes and looked at each other like, is that it? It was worth every penny I paid for it.
Second year we've had your tree stand. We love it. No leans, leaks or creaks.
This is the first year we haven't had some kind of trouble with the tree falling over.
I purchased the 6XTS model late last year and was amazed at how easy it was to set the tree up. Thanks again for making a quality American made product.
After years of searching I found the ultimate Christmas tree stand. The one you make.
When I saw yours I knew that my grandchildren would be fighting over it long after I'm gone.
I can't thank you enough for your wonderful product. It stands up to everything you promised. It took about five minutes to set up.
This thing will be here when I'm gone, it is so sturdy.
Made in Michigan. Built to be handed down.
Call to order or find a store near you. Most orders leave Bear Lake within 24 hours.