Clemson Tigers’ Legendary Icon Goes Up for Sale, Announces Martin Custom Woodworking
Industry: Sports
One-of-a-kind boardroom table -- handcrafted from fabled ‘Death Valley’ stadium oak tree -- commemorates Clemson Tigers’ football legacy
Clemson, SC (PRUnderground) September 20th, 2021
A legendary piece of Clemson Tigers’ history is up for sale.
The fabled Death Valley Oak — a majestic red oak that stood watch over Clemson University’s “Death Valley” Memorial Stadium for more than three-quarters of a century — has been handcrafted into an iconic boardroom table.
The big question?
Will this sporting icon find its new home back at Clemson?
The Death Valley Oak witnessed the Tigers’ greatest sporting achievements, including 24 conference titles, 24 bowls, and one of the school’s three football national championships.
When the stadium’s last-standing tree was removed in 2015 because it was blocking the view of the scoreboard, an irreplaceable piece of the Tigers’ footballing landscape and history seemed lost forever.
But the legendary tree has been given a new life — thanks to master craftsman Curtis Martin, who has handcrafted a one-of-a-kind, 17-foot boardroom table out of the heart of the oak.
Setting Fans Buzzing
“The table literally has its roots at the home of the Clemson Tigers,” said Martin, a Wilmington, N.C.-based, third-generation custom furniture craftsman. “Football has such a rich heritage at Clemson, and this oak table is a nostalgic treasure.”
An item of this significance related to Clemson’s proud footballing legacy at the Memorial Stadium — nicknamed “Death Valley” by Head Coach Frank Howard in the 1950s — is “certain to generate huge interest among Tigers fans,” said Martin, owner of Martin Custom Woodworking & Antique Restoration (www.martin-antique-restorations.com).
“I’d be thrilled to see the Clemson oak table back where it belongs — at Clemson,” said Martin.
Many fans remember the tree that towered over a corner of the lower seating bowl for 75-plus years and became a favorite photo spot.
“If Tigers fans have any thoughts about where this treasure should find its new home, I’d be delighted to hear from them,” Martin said.
The spectacular oak table — that can be separated into two — “bleeds” vivid Clemson orange epoxy through its natural splits. A photo plaque documents both the tree’s history and Clemson’s football legacy.
Finished with clear lacquer, and no stain applied, the table features walnut butterflies and sits on a cherry base with walnut and rosewood accents. More information can be found at www.clemsonoaktable.com.
About Martin Custom Woodworking & Antique Restoration
Curtis Martin, owner of Martin Custom Woodworking & Antique Restoration (www.martin-antique-restorations.com) in Wilmington, N.C., is a third-generation master craftsman. His grandfather, Edward Tibbles, served a craftsman apprenticeship in England.
Photo Cutline: CLEMSON TIGERS’ LEGENDARY ICON GOES UP FOR SALE: A legendary piece of Clemson Tigers’ history is up for sale. The fabled Death Valley Oak — a majestic red oak that stood watch over Clemson University’s “Death Valley” Memorial Stadium for more than three-quarters of a century — has been handcrafted into an iconic boardroom table. Will this sporting icon find its new home back at Clemson? More information can be found at www.clemsonoaktable.com.
