Bowlings Home Center Traces Roots to 1917

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS - Bowlings Home Center, one of the oldest family-owned businesses in Greenbrier County, has weathered two devastating fires, destructive flooding during Hurricane Agnes and stiff competition from chain stores during its 86-year-old history.

The company has managed to keep in step with the times and has continued to expand, going from a basic hardware store to a multifaceted enterprise with Downer Hardware in Covington, Va., as it newest acquisition.

And why did the owners take that step?

"It was the 'big box' boys," said John H. Bowling Jr., vice president of the business, noting that chain retail stores forced Bowlings to take steps in a different direction.

Today, lumber and furniture have taken a backseat to a NAPA auto parts section, a tire/auto repair center and an onsite glass shop that offers service from store and entrance fronts to auto glass and conventional window replacements.

"We've become a convenience store," said Bowling of the store's hardware section.