Welcome to "Jingle, Jangle...Christmas!"
My special tribute to New Orleans' Mr. Bingle and Maison Blanche Santa was first launched in December 2001 on page 1 of the Lagniappe category of my site where it still remains. Be sure to visit my Lagniappe page 1 for the original coverage and photos. Working along, in September 2002 I was able to expand my tribute by launching 9 feature pages of "Jingle, Jangle...Christmas!"; and it has continued to grow since that time.
Born in 1947, the year Emile Alline visited Marshall Field's department store in Chicago and then returned to his job at New Orleans' Maison Blanche inspired to create the little Mr. Bingle mascot, I literally grew-up with him like so many. If you are here for the very first time, you are in for a treat!
In the spirit of Mr. Bingle, "MER-RY CHRISTMAS everybody!"
It's CHRISTMAS!
Mr. Bingle and Maison Blanche Christmas Memories
Christmas in South Louisiana was celebrated
much the same as it was all across the country, save for one
most precious part of the holiday season - Maison Blanche
and Mr. Bingle. The beautiful, ornate Maison Blanche building
dated back to the 1800's. Maison Blanche was to New Orleans
what Macy's is to New York City. Even their Santa was very
much the same - not just any Santa would do for Maison Blanche.
For as long I can remember, the authentic looking, jolly old
Maison Blanche Santa looked as if he had stepped right out
of the old movie "Miracle on 34th Street." Maison
Blanche's Santa and his little holly-winged, elf snowman helper,
Mr. Bingle, will never be forgotten. Snow rarely occurs in
South Louisiana; however, children could always count on their
beloved little Mr. Bingle snowman to be there for them each
and every year coming into their homes everyday during WDSU-TV's 15-minute
TV broadcast. A grandmother since 1994, I can still hear Mr. Bingle's elf-like voice ringing in my ears after all these years.
(Ashleigh Austin's Personal Postcard Collection)
Era: 1901-1907
Description: "Maison Blanche"
The Leading and most progressive
Department Store in the South
New Orleans
Publisher: J. Scordill (2 stores), 902 Canal St.,
701 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA
The sun sets on Maison Blanche
Click
Here for MORE Jingle, Jangle Christmas!
Been to Jingle Jangle
Christmas Before?
You may use the links below to view
the various pages!
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