Author Joanna Wilson will lead a discussion on downtown Akron’s history of Christmas windows and their displays. From her research on Akron’s Christmas attractions–whch resulted in the book Story of Archie the Talking Snowman (2015)–Wilson uncovered the 100 year history of the breath-taking, eye-catching Christmas displays that filled the windows of retailers O’Neil’s, Polsky’s, Yeagers, and more.

Love seeing the Wizard of Oz, Alice in Wonderland, Cabbage Patch Dolls, and Peter Pan storybook window displays each Christmas in downtown Akron? Come discover the story behind those sets and the long history of Christmas window displays put out by downtown retailers each year in Akron. We’ll also talk about the Journey to Bethlehem windows at the Mayflower, and the newly designed windows going up on the former O’Neil’s windows in 2016!

Join us on Saturday, Dec. 3rd, at 5pm in front of the windows at the Polsky Building in downtown Akron on Main Street to participate in the discussion. The talk will go on rain or shine–so bring an umbrella, if necessary!

After the talk, Wilson will be available to sell copies of her book Story of Archie the Talking Snowman ($20) which details this history of Akron’s Christmas window displays. Or, you can purchase it ahead of time from the publisher 1701 Press: http://www.1701press.com/

Show your hometown pride and join the conversation!