Dear Aluminum Lovers,
As The Aluminum Forest grew, it revealed branches of diversity between manufacturers, and the characteristics of their respective trees. Over the years, there has been a lot of comparison and documentation. It is consuming work, darlings!
Many aluminum tree enterprises were family-owned and operated. These mid-century modern design pioneers are an illustration and celebration of The Great American Melting Pot. Other companies were already established in aluminum manufacturing, and diversified into Christmas trees. Although most companies licensed under an early patented design, others, most significantly Revlis, held design and manufacturing patents of their own.
The heart and soul of The Aluminum Forest are the people who created the trees. For the past few years, I have diligently tracked down (ok, stalked) any living descendant I could find to request an interview. Throughout the course of dozens of conversations, it was my solemn assurance to each descendant that their personal history would be handled gently, respectfully and reverently. It is my pleasure to share what I learned and I am deeply grateful for their time and trust. Do enjoy!
Adoringly yours,
Kelly Brennan McClure
Discovery
The ubiquitous Evergleam brand has evolved into a household word in the aluminum tree collecting community. Aluminum Specialty Co. was nimble and savvy in the early days of aluminum Christmas tree manufacturing, which gilded their brand as the gold standard of aluminum Christmas trees. Their design, packaging and marketing paved the way for Evergleam to dominate in market share.
As the collecting trend has escalated in recent years, more brands have become better known. Starlite by Revlis, Carey-McFall and Star Band are acknowledged major competitors. But how about Peco, Stainless Metal Craft, US Silver Tree Co. and Consolidated Novelty? Or the super-rare C. Sincere, Duralite, and Regal? Fairyland, HPE, Arandell, Tomar, Warren…the list goes on and on. All these manufacturers made quality trees in unique designs with innovative storage systems.
Here in The Aluminum Forest, each company gets a spotlight, illuminating their distinctive products and contributions. Some sections are chock full of information, history, trivia, photos, ads, and other goodies that you can only find here! Some sections are lean, due to lack of avenues of discovery, but not for lack of effort! By sharing my research, it is my hope that more information can be churned up and added going forward.
Enjoy an enchanted journey through The Aluminum Forest!
Do you have a rare tree, or by chance have family history or photos relating to aluminum Christmas trees? Contact The Aluminum Forest! We would love to hear from you!
The First Families of Aluminum Trees
Here we celebrate the most significant founders of the family-based enterprises. It was a royal privilege to hear the stories and memories of second and third generation family members whose forbearers sculpted an aesthetic movement that endures to this day. In one instance, a first generation member of aluminum royalty was found, a PECO production manager! As it turns out, he lives just a stone’s throw from The Aluminum Forest.
Revlis
C. Sincere
Peco
Star Band
Consolidated Novelty
US Silver Tree Co
Tomar
Tree Manufacturers with Aluminum Roots
What better way to diversify? Several established aluminum manufacturers saw the opportunity to cash in on the aluminum Christmas tree craze.
Aluminum Obscura
Here we illuminate enigmatic manufacturers with origins lesser-known. Contact The Aluminum Forest if you have any information to contribute!
In a few cases, all we have is a screen-grab. The Aluminum Forest has devotedly cataloged screen-shots of unusual trees in the interest of building the biggest and best repository of information on the manufacturers of aluminum Christmas trees.
Do contact The Aluminum Forest if you recognize your tree. We would love to bestow a photo credit!
Metal Trees Corp.
Fairyland and/Craft House
Stainless Metal Craft
Yule Craft
Warren
Dalyn/Regal
Arandell Products
Aluminum Hardwares/Northern Lights
Holi-Gay
HPE
Duralite
Canadian Spangle Wonderland
Frostlite Flocking Specialties