Bismark Street Yew
Make it stand out
The Story
We don’t get much of a winter here in South Central Texas, but every once in a while a storm blows through that reminds us what cold really feels like. A few years back, a stretch of bitter weather settled in—temperatures never climbed above freezing for more than a week, and more than two inches of snow fell. Around here, folks came to call it Snowmageddon.
That storm took a heavy toll on trees in our area, one of which was a yew across the street in my neighbor’s yard. Though it had died, the tree stood for nearly two years—time enough for the wood to dry naturally—before he finally cut it down. As he stacked the limbs and trunk at the curb for brush pickup, I asked if I could rescue some of the wood before it was hauled off to the shredder. He said yes.
That’s how I came to have this beautiful yew, reclaimed instead of discarded, now ready to carry its story forward here in the Salt Shaker shop.
About the Tree
Yews are evergreens with dense green foliage and a reputation for endurance. Across Europe and beyond, they have stood for centuries as symbols of longevity and resilience, often planted near churches and sacred spaces. In medieval times, yew wood became legendary as the material of choice for longbows, prized for its strength and flexibility.
The tree on Bismark Street wasn’t ancient, but it carried the same qualities that have made yews remarkable throughout history. Though not the exact tree pictured here, it shared the upright form and evergreen canopy that made it a striking presence in a neighborhood yard until the cold of Snowmageddon claimed it.
About the Wood
Yew has long been admired for the beauty hidden in its grain. Warm reddish-browns swirl with lighter sapwood, often revealing striking patterns and natural cracks that tell the story of the tree’s life. It is dense yet workable, making it a favorite for both functional and decorative pieces.
The Bismark Street Yew I salvaged carries all of those qualities. Turned on the lathe, the wood reveals flowing rings and rich depth of color, as shown in the bowl here. Every piece cut from it highlights something different—sometimes a smooth ribbon of grain, sometimes a knot or check that gives the piece its own character.
Why It Matters
The Bismark Street Yew could easily have been hauled off with the brush and reduced to mulch. Instead, it was rescued and given a second life. That’s what this work is about—saving wood that might be discarded and turning it into something lasting and useful.
This tree stood through seasons, survived droughts, and finally met its end in the deep freeze of Snowmageddon. By bringing it into the shop, its story carries forward. Each piece made from it is more than just wood—it’s a reminder of resilience, of the neighbors who share their trees, and of the beauty revealed when we take the time to look.
Made From Bismark Street Yew
Available now – this Bismark Street Yew bowl was the first piece I made to see how the wood would look and work. No other pieces have been made yet, but more will come. The supply of this wood is limited.
The bowl above is available now and linked directly to its product page. It is the only finished piece from Bismark Street Yew, and the supply of this wood is limited.
If you’d like a custom order in Bismark Street Yew, I’d be glad to talk with you about it.