When Stan Scott decided to replace the chain-link fence outside of his south-side home with one adorned with bowling balls and bowling pins, his wife didn't protest.
When he put up a tree with wine bottle branches, she didn't fuss. But when it came to the second tree, featuring glass Coca Cola bottles, she had a problem.
Scott's wife is a Pepsi drinker, and she demanded that at least one of the bottle branches represent that. And so it was.
It was a small sacrifice for Scott, a self-proclaimed yard art lover.
The bowling-themed fence has drawn in a number of looky-loos over the last year, with people stopping by to get a quick peek and some taking pictures.
One day, Scott got a call from his wife, concerned that a firetruck was parked outside. It turned out that there was no emergency. Rather, the first-responders were satisfying their curiosity and took a moment to get a closer look at Scott's creations - at 941 W. Drexel Road - after having seen it as they drove over the Drexel Road overpass, between Santa Clara Avenue and Calle Santa Cruz.
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The decision to use bowling balls and pins as decor for his front yard has nothing to do with Scott's love of bowling. In fact, the residential maintenance worker hasn't bowled in years and is the first to admit that his average "stinks."
Scott's inspiration came from the Internet where he came across a website that features an Oklahoma man who uses bowling balls as art.
"I saw it and I thought: That's fun," Scott said. "I find it fascinating - and others do, too - to see what people put in their yards."
He gathered damaged bowling pins from a nearby bowling alley and has managed to collect more than 150 bowling balls - some donated and some from secret sources that Scott refused to divulge out of fear that others would deplete the supply.
Scott's love of yard art has spread to his neighbors, who are living in the rental home that his wife owns. They now have bowling ball decor displayed near their front door.
"The kids are in love with the yard art and wanted some of their own," Scott said.
For those who haven't yet caught a glimpse of Scott's work of art, it may be worth holding off until Christmas time, when Scott gets particularly festive, displaying bowling balls that have been made to look like ornaments.
Now on sale
"Tucson Oddities, Too" is now available.
The sequel to "Tucson Oddities Vol. 1" features another 50 hometown oddities suggested by Star readers. Price: $14.99 plus tax.
A limited number of Volume 1 and 2 are available in a box set for $29 plus tax.
The books can be bought online at azstarnet.com/store (shipping and handling charges will be applied) or at the Star, 4850 S. Park Ave., between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Questions can be referred to oddity@azstarnet.com or 573-4232.
Contact reporter Alexis Huicochea at ahuicochea@azstarnet.com or 573-4175.
