Today in Wheeling History: December 5: The Talking Christmas Tree, which had been a beloved fixture in the front window of L.S. Good & Company's department store from 1965 to 1984, began greeting patrons at Wheeling's Centre Market (2014).
The Talking Christmas Tree was a beloved holiday fixture in the front window of L.S. Good's department store along Market Street in downtown Wheeling, West Virginia from 1965 to 1984. An employee would sit inside the tree wearing black clothes and speak into a microphone, engaging with shoppers passing by and calling out children's names after overhearing them, creating a magical effect. While some children were delighted and others were frightened by the talking tree, it left an indelible mark on the community. After Good's closed, the tree sat in storage for decades before local businessman Bill Bryson tracked down the original owners and restored it. Beginning in 2014, it resided at Centre Market during the holidays and allowed new generations to experience the iconic Talking Christmas Tree thanks to the efforts of dedicated Wheeling residents. Although its appearance has changed slightly over the years, the tree provokes nostalgia and community spirit, solidifying its legendary status in Wheeling.
To learn more: (https://tinyurl.com/yv69j688) (https://tinyurl.com/ybnxvk6m) (https://tinyurl.com/47h5yebp) (https://tinyurl.com/3k7d8vzm)
Photo Credits: Weelunk, Holiday Memories and Traditions of Wheeling, West Virginia (Facebook page)
The Talking Christmas Tree was a beloved holiday fixture in the front window of L.S. Good's department store along Market Street in downtown Wheeling, West Virginia from 1965 to 1984. An employee would sit inside the tree wearing black clothes and speak into a microphone, engaging with shoppers passing by and calling out children's names after overhearing them, creating a magical effect. While some children were delighted and others were frightened by the talking tree, it left an indelible mark on the community. After Good's closed, the tree sat in storage for decades before local businessman Bill Bryson tracked down the original owners and restored it. Beginning in 2014, it resided at Centre Market during the holidays and allowed new generations to experience the iconic Talking Christmas Tree thanks to the efforts of dedicated Wheeling residents. Although its appearance has changed slightly over the years, the tree provokes nostalgia and community spirit, solidifying its legendary status in Wheeling.
To learn more: (https://tinyurl.com/yv69j688) (https://tinyurl.com/ybnxvk6m) (https://tinyurl.com/47h5yebp) (https://tinyurl.com/3k7d8vzm)
Photo Credits: Weelunk, Holiday Memories and Traditions of Wheeling, West Virginia (Facebook page)
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