"Immigrants, Ornaments and Legacies" tells the stories of the companies who created 20th century Christmas tree decorations. The Shiny Brite(tm) story of Max Eckardt and Sons is chronicled along with rival firms that competed to win the key customers of Woolworth's and Sears. Bernhard Wilmsen was one of the first Christmas vendors to Woolworth's and continued to be for decades. George Franke emigrated from Germany to America at the time of the U.S. Civil War and employed hundreds of people in Baltimore, Maryland. National Tinsel Manufacturing in Manitowoc, Wisconsin would be a recognized Christmas industry leader until a 1991 merger worth $90 million. Before millions of Christmas bulbs were manufactured and sold in America, thousands were imported by Woolworth's and Sears. Beginning as a family business in Lauscha, Germany many husbands, wives and children hand crafted glass ornaments. As early German immigrants came to the United States they evolved the industry with inventions and patents. Survival and prosperity were never guaranteed as the companies struggled during precarious times of tariffs, trade wars and world wars. If not for Corning Glass Works inventing the means to make 80 million glass bulbs a year, the modern era of Christmas tree decorations would have stopped with German blockades and boycotts. With rich details using photographs and statistics, the industry of American glass bulb Christmas ornaments is documented from the 1800's to the 1960's. In their own words, family descendants of ornament makers tell their favorite memories of being surrounded by Christmas all year long and their special holiday traditions that live on today. "Immigrants, Ornaments and Legacies" is a family centered story of decades of Christmas tree decorations that are highly collectible today. An ornament identification section is included to help collectors date their precious Shiny Brite(tm) and George Franke ornaments passed down lovingly from generation to generation.

A chronological illustrated history of how people decorated and celebrated for Christmas. Many antique ornaments from German origins project various customs. Includes newly revised price guide!

Old World Christmas proudly presents CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT LEGENDS. This hard-bound, full-color book features eighty pages of stories, traditions, & folklore from the Old World. The charming origin of an enchanting variety of treasured mouth-blown glass ornaments is portrayed in this insightful publication. Readers will enjoy learning about the legends behind the ornaments. The book is beautifully decorated with dazzling ornaments & wonderful color plates of traditional Christmas renderings. A special introduction about how & where mouth-blown glass ornaments were first made is included. Also featured is the fascinating story of how the authors, Tim & Beth Merck, traveled to the Old World & gathered these legends to bring home to American families everywhere. Destined to compliment existing Christmas traditions, this superbly illustrated book is currently available by ordering from Old World Christmas directly at 1-800-962-7669 or by mail at P.O. Box 8000, Spokane, WA 99203. The book wholesales for $7.75 & is sold in minimum quantities of 6 for $46.50. Acceptable methods of payment include Visa, MasterCard, personal check, money order, or cashiers check. Customers may also apply for open credit.

Written in a detailed and fascinating manner, this book is ideal for general readers interested in the English language.