Note: This is an archive of "Papa" Ted Althof's online tribute to cardboard Christmas "putz" houses and their history. At Ted's request, this archive was established in early 2012. Except for critical updates and announcements, it will remain exactly as Ted left it in October, 2012.
For more information, please scroll to the bottom of the page.

TABLE of CONTENTS


BOOKS & MOVIES
Christmas holly bar graphic

HOUSES in OLD MOVIES!
There are only two movies I know of where the old houses can spotted:

"TENTH AVENUE ANGEL" - with Margaret O'Brien: 1948. In the final scene of the movie where Margaret is getting 3 pairs of skates, a large "coconut" to die for can be seen under the little feather tree in the background.
Antoinette's husband John captured these shots from the video:
Margaret O'Brien Christmas movie stll photo
Margaret O'Brien Christmas movie still photo
Thanks a million, John!

And here are some shots of the "10th Avenue" house that Antoinette scored from The Fair Set on eBay Dec., '06...
Margaret O'Brien Christmas house from movie still photo Margaret O'Brien Christmas Christmas village house from 
movie still photo













Margaret O'Brien Christmas putz house from 
movie still photo
It appears to be in better shape than the one in the movie; the trees seem to be missing on that one, but there is no doubt it's the same house. Window and porthole patterns all match up; the structure is the same. This story has come full-circle and is now complete . Pretty amazing, eh? These things appear in only two known movies.
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"THE PREACHER'S WIFE" - Denzel Washington - Whitney Houston: In this '80s remake of "The Bishop's Wife"-1947, several houses are visible on a mantel putz - above the fireplace in the parsonage office/study in a few shots. Hard to tell exactly what they are, though.
If anyone spots houses in any other old movies, please let me know!
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RECOMMENDED BOOKS

James S. Morrison Christmas photo book

If you are seriously into "putzing," - James S.Morrison's fabulous compendium of authentic old home Christmas photos A VINTAGE VIEW OF CHRISTMAS PAST would also seem to bear this out. One sees the cardboard houses in photos from the thirties on, but not before. Earlier putzes are seen to be comprised mainly of home made or tin train accessory buildings, albeit many amazingly elaborate and well-crafted things - but no dimestore cardboards. (This hard-to-find publication is a book the serious putz collector absolutely ought to have! I have no affiliation with Mr. Morrison except for a great appreciation of his book. It's a private publication. The only current source of which I'm aware is:

"A VINTAGE VIEW of CHRISTMAS PAST"
- by James S. Morrison
ISBN:0-9647875-0-4

National Christmas Center
3427 Lincoln Highway
Paradise, PA 17562
(717) 442-7950
$29.95 plus shipping. It's best to call.
.... What a "Time-Machine!" - I HIGHLY
recommend!!! ...if you can find it.

UPDATE:Jan.07,'06 I have heard from a couple of people who tried to get this book that J.S. Morrison says he has run out. This was a private printing, so if you see it for sale anywhere - GRAB IT! As far as we know, he has no plans to reprint, but perhaps if enough people call for it, who knows?
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Phillip V. Snyder's ...
"THE CHRISTMAS TREE BOOK"

Phillip V. Snyder Christmas Tree Book



"The History of the Christmas Tree
and
Antique Christmas Tree Ornaments"



Viking Press
SBN0 670 22115-5


Were I permitted to keep but one book on the history of the Christmas tree and "putzing," this is would be my choice...written with love and great integrity. Phil Snyder has passed on, now, and I don't believe his life's devotion is still in print, but you see copies in used book stores and on eBay. If you do - grab one! They can usually be found quite reasonably and you can't do better at any price.

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holly
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Copyright 2000-2012 Theodore H. Althof,Jr.Except where noted, the contents of this website and all it's pages and submissions therein contained are the intellectual property of Theodore H.Althof,Jr. All rights are reserved. (Background musical selections are,of course, excepted.)



Note: This archive was set up at Ted's request in early 2012, and, except for critical updates and
announcements, will remain exactly as Ted left it in October, 2012.
The archive is kept online with the help of volunteers from:

Visit the FamilyChristmasOnline site for Christmas music, stories, craft resources and much more.
Visit the OldChristmasTreeLights site for the history of Christmas tree lighting, including Bubble Lights and more.
Visit our collection of resources for collecting, restoring, and making your own cardboard Christmas houses.
Visit Howard Lamey's glitterhouse gallery, with free project plans, graphics, and instructions.
Check out  a very active, quality craft and collectibles blog (with local news of Croton NY).
Resources for making seasonal villages and model railroads for O, S, and On30 model railroading