New Horizons Group Homes, a nonprofit organization which provides group homes for individuals with developmental challenges, unveiled their 2010 Christmas ornament at a recent barbecue held at Central Baptist School.
This year’s ornaments, along with some of the past ornaments, are currently available for sale. They are produced by the same company that makes the White House Christmas ornaments, and are 24-karat gold plated. Each ornament has been designed by Lora Eisenberg and represents a historical location in the Brandon community. The new ornaments will sell for $18. Previous year’s ornaments can also be bought in sets at a discounted price.
The 2010 keepsake ornament is the 16th in the collection. This year’s ornament depicts Hamp’s Garage, an important part of Brandon for many years and has been beautifully recreated by Eisenberg to once again provide our community with a tangible remembrance of a special part of Brandon history.
Hamps Garage was the first garage in Brandon. Originally located at Victoria and Moon streets, it was soon moved to the southwest corner of Hopewell (now S.R. 60) and Lithia Pinecrest roads. The year was 1928 and Brandon was a small community with fewer than 250 people. Clarence and Olive Hampton recognized that this road would be the perfect place to move the garage. Thus, Hamp’s Garage was built and became an important part of the Brandon community. The two-story garage was the only place in Brandon that sold gasoline and residents were also able to purchase kerosene there. Hamp’s Garage was a mainstay in Brandon until 1957; when it was torn down to make room for the widening of S.R. 60.
Ornaments are available at Age’s Art & Frame, Bill’s Prescription Center, Field’s Art & Framing, Martin’s Jewelry, Rainbow Engraving, The Frame Shop & Gallery and New Horizons Group Homes.
All proceeds from the sales go to New Horizons Group Homes. For more information or if you have a business that would like to display the ornaments, please call Brenda Watkins at 653-2466 or New Horizons at 571-2690.
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