ORLEANS – The Orleans Chamber of Commerce has unveiled its 2023 Christmas Ornament design. According to Chamber Exec. Director Robert F. Henderson, this year’s holiday keepsake, the 22nd in a series commemorating various Orleans historic landmarks through the years, celebrates the old Lindsey-Magner Hotel on E. Jefferson St.
The original portion of the old hotel was constructed 150 years ago as the residence of the James Finneman/Finnemore Family. In 1886, it was purchased by Hannah Magner and her daughters Hattie and Nellie and operated as the Magner Hotel. James Lindsey purchased the property in 1901, renaming it Hotel Lindsey. Lindsey enlarged the hotel and made major improvements.
Hotel Lindsey reportedly boasted 20 rooms, two lobbies, a parlor, a dining room, a kitchen, and living quarters for the Lindsey family. In later years, Harrison and Ruby Miller operated the business and used it primarily as a rooming house. In more recent history, it was a restaurant, a bed and breakfast inn, and a private residence. The building now houses one of the town’s specialty shops, Feminine Mystique, which is owned and operated by Bonnie Bolinger. The shop specializes in Victorian-era gifts and collectibles.
The new ornaments have just arrived and are now available for purchase. As in years past, only a limited number of collectibles will be made available and are expected to sell out completely quickly.
“The ornaments have proven to be very collectible in the last several years, and past issues are eagerly sought out by Orleans citizens past and present,” Henderson said.
Each ornament sells for $12 and will be available at Feminine Mystique, Mid-Southern Bank, and Orleans Town offices while they last.
Henderson added a handful of last year’s Orleans Veterans Memorial ornaments are available to purchase from the Orleans Town Offices. The cost is $5
Proceeds from the Chamber’s annual Ornament Sale go toward the group’s many community improvement projects, such as flower plantings, street banners, and seasonal décor.
