Bowling family farm honored as Tennessee Century Farm
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In November, the Bowling family farm was recognized as a Tennessee Century Farm. In center front is David Bowling Sr., grandson of William and Pearl Bowling, who bought the farm in 1924. To Bowling’s right, is his wife, Judy. Bowling is surrounded by numerous family members and elected officials on the steps of the Anderson County Courthouse. To Bowling’s left is state Rep. Ed Butler. The third person from left on the second row is Anderson County General Sessions Judge Victoria Bowling, who is David Bowling’s daughter-in-law. The third person from left on the third row is Anderson County Commissioner Josh Anderson, who is Bowling’s nephew. To Anderson’s left is Lt. Gov. Randy McNally. On the far right of the third row is state Rep. Rick Scarbrough.
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This a picture of the Bowling family around 1939. At top left is James Bowling Sr. To his left are his parents, William and Pearl Bowling. The elder Bowlings bought the family farm in 1924. In 1948, the farm was bought by their son James. In later years, the farm was divided among family members.
An Anderson County farm that has been in the same family for five generations was recently designated a Tennessee Century Farm.
The Tennessee Century Farms program, administered by the Center for Historic Preservation at Middle Tennessee State University, recognizes farms in the state that have been owned and operated by the same family for at least 100 years.
During a ceremony held in November on the steps of the Anderson County Courthouse, the Bowling family farm was honored with a special sign and a proclamation from Lt. Gov. Randy McNally. Family members and elected officials attended the event.
In 1924, William and Pearl Bowling bought the 130-acre farm, at Brooks Gap and Pumpkin Hollow roads.
In 1948, their son James purchased the property.
Over time, the land was divided among family members.
In earlier years, the farm produced tobacco, corn, registered polled Hereford cattle, Holstein steers and replacement heifers.
Today, it is used for hay and registered Angus cattle, along with a large vegetable garden, chickens and goats.
Several prominent figures in county government have ties to the farm. Anderson County Commissioner Josh Anderson is the great-grandson of William and Pearl Bowling. Anderson County General Sessions Judge Victoria Bowling is the daughter-in-law of David Bowling, the grandson of the original owners.
The Tennessee Century Farms program was launched in 1975 by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture as part of the state’s bicentennial celebration.
Since then, more than 2,100 farms have been recognized, with at least one farm honored in each of the state’s 95 counties.
The program aims to help document the state’s long agricultural history.
