In 1870—just five years after the end of the American Civil War—US Awning was founded in Chicago, as The United States Tent & Awning Company. If it could be made out of canvas, USTAC was eager to make and sell it—early products included engine covers for bi-planes—but as the name suggests, their initial focus was on tents. Outdoor circuses and religious revivals were among the most popular forms of entertainment in those days, and the company was perfectly poised to take advantage of these lucrative markets. The company flourished into the early years of the 20th century, by which time it had grown to nearly 100 employees.
But tougher times were on the horizon. The company very nearly went bankrupt in the Great Depression, but in 1935 a partnership led by George Johnson purchased it and began the long work of rebuilding the firm into a vibrant and thriving enterprise.
Then, sometime in the 1950s, Johnson’s phone rang. On the other end of the line was the Ringling Circus Company: They were calling to invite Johnson’s company down to Sarasota, Florida, to do some off-season work on their tents. Ringling had moved their winter quarters from Connecticut to Sarasota in 1927, and long before Walt Disney World opened near Orlando, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey combined winter circus was Florida’s biggest tourist attraction. It was where clowns and acrobats honed their skills and sharpened their acts for the long, cross-country summertime tours. The circus became such an important part of USTAC’s business that they moved south permanently in 1957. Their work even extended to the grounds of the world-famous Ringling Museum, where they replaced the awnings several times. Five years later, George Johnson sold the business, and it was reincorporated as US Awning.
US Awning soon turned the focus of their business away from circuses, as many of those were moving indoors by then. Current owner Mark Schwalm bought the business in 2015 and has worked at the company since 2004.
One thing that hasn’t changed in all that time is our commitment to service, quality, and innovation. In 150 years, we’ve gone from making tents and engine covers to designing and building intricate, modern shade technology products, like retractable awnings and motorized louvered pergolas. All US Awning products are made on-site, from design and metalwork fabrication to cutting and sewing, to ensure reliability, durability, and visual appeal. Come visit our indoor / outdoor showroom and see for yourself.