Rudolph exhibit celebrates 2 big anniversaries
The McHenry County Historical Society & Museum, 6422 Main St., Union, celebrates two landmark anniversaries related to Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer this season.
Christmas aficionado Dave Harms is once again spearheading the annual display, which marks the 75th anniversary of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer's birth, courtesy of author Robert L. May, and the 50th anniversary of the airing of the Rankin/Bass television special.
Montgomery Ward directed its department store marketing department to create an original Christmas story to supplant the more expensive coloring books the retailer had given away to kids in the past. Robert L. May got the job and his efforts were immediate hit. More than 2 million storybooks were given out to Wards' customers in 1939 alone.
A decade later May's brother-in-law, songwriter Johnny Marks (who also penned "Rockin Around the Christmas Tree," "Holly Jolly Christmas" and "Silver and Gold") put the story to music. Harms said it has been recorded by more than 400 artists - led by the "original singing cowboy" Gene Autry.
Harms attributed Rudolph's popularity to his association with Santa Claus - everyone's favorite jolly ol' elf. Also, the Horatio Alger element to the story - downtrodden deer makes good - struck a chord with many, Harms said. And there was the added push provided Autry and big record label - Columbia - that released the song.
By the time Max Fleischer created his colorized, seven and a half minute Rudolph cartoon in 1948, the red-nosed reindeer's place in history was secure. Ironically, it has outlasted the company that created it.
"I think it's a combination of all those things. You had World War II and the Depression, and here is this uplifting song," Harms said. "It's all part of our social fabric."
Harms, 63, of Crystal Lake, has been a devotee of Christmas his entire life. But his passion became a hobby after he joined the Golden Glow of Christmas Past, a worldwide club for collectors of antique Christmas items, more than 30 years ago. Today, he wouldn't even hazard a guess how many pieces of Rudolph-related memorabilia he owns. The exhibit features everything from irons to shirts, blankets to furniture; a magnetic dartboard and a West German metal top. Visitors also can view a rare papier-mache Rudolph head, furniture, a wooden riding stick and a rare children's ride also will greet visitors.
For a donation to the historical society, bring your camera and take a picture seated on or standing by a motorized, vintage Rudolph, coin-operated ride. Introduced in 1953 by the Exhibit Supply Co. of Chicago, Harms said it no doubt sat just inside or outside a Ward's department store - rocking back and forth with its nose blinking. Rides cost 10 cents.
The display is open from 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesdays to Fridays, through Jan. 9, with the exception of Dec. 24-26, Dec. 31 and Jan. 1. If you are unable to attend during those hours and wish to schedule a special viewing, contact the museum at (815) 923-2267. Visit gothistory.org.