Blue Ox Millworks and the President of the United States

Blue Ox and Quality go Hand in Hand

At the Blue Ox Millworks, we have been honored with a lot of national attention, but nothing is quite so humbling as being called upon to serve the president of the United States.  In 1993 Eric Hollenbeck, the mill's founder, was one of five Californian's to represent the state at a massive timber conference in Portland, testifying before the president, the vice president, and several members of the cabinet.

(At right): Eric Hollenbeck as one of five Californians at the 1993 timber conference in Portland.
Eric Hollenbeck at the 1993 timber conference in Portland
14 foot redwood conference table with hand carved eagle talon feet

A Presidential Product

That same year, Eric constructed a 14 foot table for President Clinton from a slab of old growth redwood fallen in the forest nearly one hundred and fifty years ago. The legs were built in our blacksmith shop and finished with Japan Black and all the stains and varnishes were made in the Blue Ox apothecary shop.  The table is now on its way to the Clinton Presidential Library.

(At left): The president's table awaits shipment to Washington.

Truly Honored

Bill Clinton wanted to tour our facilities, but Eureka, California doesn't have tight enough security to host a seated president.  The secretary of the interior, Bruce Babbitt came for a tour instead, but Clinton still wanted to honor Eric.  Eric was invited back to Washington D.C. as a special guest of the U.S. Government and was honored at President Clinton's Earth Day speech.

(At right): Mill founder Eric Hollenbeck is greeted by President William Jefferson Clinton.
Eric Hollenbeck shakes hands with president Clinton
White house planters constructed for President Bush Sr.

Serving with Pride

We've now worked for the White House on two occasions, and we've worked for two separate governor's mansions.  Nothing surprises us anymore, but none of us will ever forget the honor of being called upon to serve our country, and if duty calls again you can be sure that the fine craftsmen at the Blue Ox Millworks will be ready to report with chisels in hand.

(At left): Planters made by the Blue Ox for the White House during the administration of George H. W. Bush