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One-of-a-Kind Tree Submitted by Historic Landmarks Foundation One man's trash is another man's treasure at the West Baden Springs National Historic Landmark this holiday season, where Indianapolis artist Paul Harris will erect an unusual Christmas tree in the center of the famed atrium. The 40-foot-tall tree will be made entirely of "found" and recycled objects, including antique chairs, carousel horses, working TV sets, electric fans, and much more - accented by traditional Christmas lights. "Decorating a big space takes a big idea," said Tina Connor, West Baden Springs Project Manager. "The artist aims to mirror West Baden Springs' uniqueness and its reclamation, as well as to evoke different memories of holidays past in each person who views the tree. He guarantees people will not see anything like it anywhere else." "Many of the things I am collecting for the tree were probably Christmas presents at one time, but have been discarded," said Harris. "By reusing things that are considered worthless, they regain their value, and people see them in a new way." The tree's construction also requires the services of an architect, Mike Halstead of Halstead Architects, and an engineer, Greg Blum of Cook Group Incorporated. "It is becoming a holiday tradition to visit this beloved landmark, meet friends, and shop in the West Baden Springs Emporium," said Tina Connor, West Baden Springs Project Manager. "We'll unveil the tree on Thanksgiving Day, when the property is open for tours, and keep it up through January 7 to give everyone a chance to see this one-of-a-kind creation." Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana offers daily tours of the National Historic Landmark now through Jan. 7, Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday noon to 4 p.m. Tours begin on the hour and last approximately one hour. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 13-18, and $2 for children ages 6-12. Children under 5 are free. All proceeds benefit the restoration effort. New this year are wintertime twilight tours of West Baden Springs on Saturday, Nov. 4; Sunday, Dec. 3; and Saturday, Jan 6. The twilight tours begin at 8 p.m. The gloriously restored atrium takes on a whole new splendor at night, when visitors take in the high-tech light show played out against the immense dome. Historic Landmarks is also offering a behind-the-scenes tour on Friday, Nov. 24 and Friday, Dec. 22, at 1 p.m. both days. The two-hour tour allows people to see a suite restored as a demonstration for potential buyers of the property, as well as two preserved spa rooms, the unfinished parts of the former hotel, a cemetery and the powerhouse, in addition to the garden and restored areas of the hotel included in the regular tours. Behind-the-scenes admission is $15 per adult and requires an advance reservation. To reserve a spot, contact Marcy Holland, site manager at West Baden Springs, 812-936-4534. Restoration of the former West Baden Springs Hotel began in 1996, when Historic Landmarks Foundation purchased the endangered property and teamed with Bloomington, Indiana-based Cook Group Incorporated to save it and prepare it for resale. After $32 million worth of restoration work directed by Cook Group, the 1902 hotel is ready for purchase, and Historic Landmarks Foundation is seeking a new user for it. The property will remain a tourist attraction until it is sold. More than 180,000 people have toured the landmark since tours began in 1996. West Baden Springs is located on Indiana 56 in Southern Indiana approximately 100 miles south of Indianapolis, 70 miles north of Louisville and 140 miles southwest of Cincinnati. Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana, the largest statewide preservation group in the U.S., saves and protects buildings and places of architectural and historical significance. From its network of eight offices across the state, Historic Landmarks leads and assists individuals, organizations and communities in preserving and revitalizing endangered landmarks through education, advocacy, and financial support. A private, not-for-profit organization, Historic Landmarks seeks to enrich contemporary life and leave a legacy of landmarks. For more information, call Historic Landmarks at 317-639-4534 or 800-450-4534. |
All Feature Articles, artwork and photographs ©2000 by Southernin.com. Some information on the 'County Info' pages is taken directly from brochures published by Visitors Bureaus and Chambers of Commerce.
