Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Thursday, November 21, 2013
(ORLEANS) - The Orleans Chamber of Commerce has announced that the 2013 Christmas Ornaments have arrived and are now available for purchase.
According to Chamber Exec. Director Robert F. Henderson this year's holiday keepsake, the 13th in a series commemorating various Orleans landmarks through the years, features the old Orleans Theatre.
The artwork used for this year's ornament, according to Henderson, is based on an original painting done by artist and Orleans native Jack Jenkins. The old downtown theatre building, which stood on the southside of the historic town square for many years, was tragically destroyed by fire earlier this year.
Jenkins' artwork depicts Christmastime 1950 in Orleans with the holiday hit, "White Christmas" starring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye playing on the theater's marquee outside.
The building, which housed the town's movie house was once home to McIntosh Mercantile Co., before being converted into a theatre in 1925.
The theatre had several different owners through the years.
The Orleans American Legion brought the first sound pictures to town at that site in 1930, and also operated the theatre for a short time.
The Grant and Frank Carroll families owned and operated the theatre for many years. In later years area movie goers enjoyed going to the big screen under the ownership of the late Bob Limeberry.
Only a limited number of the collectibles are available and are expected to sell out completely within a very short time.
Each ornament sells for $10 and is now available at a number of Orleans businesses including both banks, and Orleans Town offices while they last.
Henderson added that only a very limited number of 2012 edition remain of the old 1915 town water tower. These still may be obtained for $5 each.
Proceeds from the Chamber's annual Ornament Sale go toward the group's many on-going community improvement projects.
1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com
© Ad-Venture Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.