ABOUT US
Mary Bowman
Peter Engler and Mary Bowman first started working together at the Engler Block Mall back in the early 80s. Pete and Mary became friends and business partners over the years. It was many years before Mary picked up a carving knife and Pete was able to mentor her to carve some amazing ornaments. Although Pete is no longer here with us, we are sure he's up above somewhere smiling, knowing that his carving legacy still lives on today, through the skillful hands of Mary Bowman and the many other artists that picked up a carving knife after meeting Pete.
Peter Engler
Born September 7, 1932 in Minneapolis, MN, Peter Engler began discovering his artistic gifts of drawing and carving at the age of 10. Peter joined the Marine Corps in 1951 and amongst the rigorous routines of the Korean War, Peter would use the little down time he had, to pull out his pocketknife, and carve one of his whimsical little people.
In 1962, he and his wife Virginia moved to Branson, MO from his mother's art and gift shop in Lakeview, Arkansas and established the Mountain Woodcarvers Shop at Silver Dollar City. As an artist, Peter began to establish himself as a national figure for woodcarving and expresses versatility with his whimsical carvings, live-sized Indians, Santa's and more.
Along with the woodcarving, Peter began to build the foundations needed for the arts and crafts in the budding community of Branson, Missouri. Engler went on to open shops in Branson, Missouri and in Gatlinburg, TN. Peter originated Silver Dollar City's Fall Arts and Crafts Festival, co-founded the National Festival of Craftsmen and became very instrumental in the development of Ozark Mountain Christmas.
Peter has been an inspiration to us all. he always had a listening ear and encouraged the dreamer. While living a dream of his own... he worked hard, had patience and reminded us to slow down a little, get the job done right. Devoting much of his time to carving his beloved Santa's, the Ozarks became home to peter and his family.
There was never a hard time tracking Peter down. All you had to do was follow the trail of woodchips to find him. No matter where he went there was a pile of woodchips, the car, sidewalks, restaurant tables, anywhere and everywhere. Even to this day there is probably a trail of woodchips to the sky to find Peter.
His legend lives on.