By DARLA MCCAMMON

Lakeland Arts Association

WARSAW — Did you know that in Warsaw, a stone’s throw away from most of us, is a little-known locally, but famous internationally, museum? One of the most famous museums in the world is right here in the local Hallmark Gold Crown Store known as The Party Shop. This often overlooked treasure is right off US 30 in Warsaw, Ind.

Last week we discussed early Valentines created by J.C. Hall who later called his company Hallmark, but as time went on with the Hall Brothers, they also began producing keepsake Christmas Ornaments. Norm and Dorothy Snyder, owners of this 12,000 square foot shop, have accumulated a complete collection of these very special ornaments beginning with the first production in 1973. This valuable collection is the only display of this magnitude that is on public view, even surpassing the Hallmark main museum in Kansas City Missouri.

The Warsaw museum has over thirty enormous glass-fronted solid oak cabinets in which you can view everything from miniature ornaments, lighted ornaments, non-Christmas holiday ornaments, specialty ornaments like Star Wars or themed collections such as The Wizard of Oz, I Love Lucy, and more. Curator, David Hamrick, welcomes bus tours from all over the United States, and also willingly shares his knowledge of the ornaments with local groups so they can learn the history about this priceless jewel in our midst.

None of the ornaments in the display are for sale. Many are rare, one-of-a-kind prototypes of great value. It is intriguing to find that an old ornament you purchased years ago is eagerly sought today by the many collectors of these clever creations. Special teams of artists at Hallmark studios work on designing and using their art talents on new ornaments each year. By the way, if you do purchase an ornament, be sure to keep the box and the original wrapping—this increases the value. Ornaments in a series are more valuable if all pieces are intact and in original boxes.

Another nice feature that attracts collectors is a separate room behind the main museum room where you can find, and purchase, older ornaments that are available almost nowhere else. You can complete your collection or begin a new hobby you can enjoy for a long time. These entrancing ornaments have been shipped from this Hallmark store all over the world to avid collectors. There even exists a “Collector’s Club” for those devoted to the exquisite work that pours out of the Hallmark studios each year.

Any time I am in this shop, I also make a point to walk back to another charming place—the Christmas Villages display. You will pass this enormous snow shrouded and magical section as you head to the back of the store to the ornament museum. This display also has a big fan base of collectors who use them for train set displays, Christmas displays, and just for fun. You will definitely appreciate the artist endeavors that are put into all these villages as well as the ornaments. It is phenomenal work.

Senior designer, master designer, master artist, designer, senior artist, production designer, sculptor, creative designer and associate artist are only a few of the titles give to the artists who are behind the creative arm for Hallmark’s many efforts, from cards, to ornaments, to villages, to home décor items. You can go on line and find out about each of their top artists with a biography of each. Sometimes we are fortunate and one of these artists visits this local store. Meantime, wander in and visit the ornaments, or even better, schedule a group tour with Dave Hamrick and learn more about the collection right here in Warsaw. You may find you have a valuable ornament at home.

Upcoming and Current Events:

• County Art Show winners on display at Clark Gallery, in Honeywell Center, Wabash, Ind., through Feb. 27.
• Lakeland Art Gallery, Forty Years of Garage Sale Art, 302 E. Winona Avenue, through March.
• Warsaw City Hall Art Gallery through March 15. Open 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Perry Olshein oil paintings on view.

For more information on topics in this column, please contact Darla McCammon at [email protected] or (574) 527-4044.