Home of Big Tex LbNA #39408
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Add Location| Owner: | Adoptable |
|---|---|
| Plant date: | Apr 29, 2008 |
| Location: | |
| City: | kerens |
| County: | Navarro |
| State: | Texas |
| Boxes: | 1 |
| Planted by: | bingo  |
|---|---|
| Found by: | tx dragonfly |
| Last found: | Dec 26, 2010 |
| Status: | FFFFFFFFaa |
| Last edited: | Apr 29, 2008 |
Big Tex's History
In the free-wheeling years after the war, merchants in Kerens, Texas, had a problem. Residents of the tiny town were driving to nearby Corsicana or even 75 miles north to Dallas for pre-Christmas shopping sprees. Looking for a gimmick that might encourage people to spend money at local stores, the Kerens Chamber of Commerce built what they claimed was the world's largest Santa Claus, a 49-foot-tall figure constructed from iron-pipe drill casing and papier mache with 7-foot lengths of unraveled rope for a beard.
The promotion was a big success during the 1949 holidays, but the novelty wore off the following year, and community support waned. In 1951, State Fair president R. L. Thornton purchased Santa's components for $750 and hired Dallas artist Jack Bridges to create a giant cowboy out of the material.
Big Tex made his debut at the 1952 State Fair of Texas.
Clue: Traveling east on hwy 31 turn right when you get to the "Grub and Gossip" cafe. Cross the railroad tracks, you will see the new Chamber of Commerce on your left, you can stop in here to learn more and see pics of big tex. Go 1 more block to the garden park. Inside the garden park you will see were the world is just a "STAGE". have a seat on the steps and look to your left.
Remember this is a small town and with that you get nosey people so be watchful when doing your thing.....Hope you like our little town and our piece of history!
In the free-wheeling years after the war, merchants in Kerens, Texas, had a problem. Residents of the tiny town were driving to nearby Corsicana or even 75 miles north to Dallas for pre-Christmas shopping sprees. Looking for a gimmick that might encourage people to spend money at local stores, the Kerens Chamber of Commerce built what they claimed was the world's largest Santa Claus, a 49-foot-tall figure constructed from iron-pipe drill casing and papier mache with 7-foot lengths of unraveled rope for a beard.
The promotion was a big success during the 1949 holidays, but the novelty wore off the following year, and community support waned. In 1951, State Fair president R. L. Thornton purchased Santa's components for $750 and hired Dallas artist Jack Bridges to create a giant cowboy out of the material.
Big Tex made his debut at the 1952 State Fair of Texas.
Clue: Traveling east on hwy 31 turn right when you get to the "Grub and Gossip" cafe. Cross the railroad tracks, you will see the new Chamber of Commerce on your left, you can stop in here to learn more and see pics of big tex. Go 1 more block to the garden park. Inside the garden park you will see were the world is just a "STAGE". have a seat on the steps and look to your left.
Remember this is a small town and with that you get nosey people so be watchful when doing your thing.....Hope you like our little town and our piece of history!