Early Christmas shopping at The Bona Thompson Center has been an Irvington tradition for many years. This year’s Irvington Historical Society Holiday Fair is its largest every with over 25 vendors as well as the Bona Bookstore with a variety of books on various aspects of Irvington history. The carefully arranged Christmas tree, icicles lights, and other decorations will put the whole family in the spirit of the holidays. The annual Holiday Fair will be held Friday, Nov. 18 from 5-9 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 19 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Bona Thompson Memorial Center, 5350 E. University Ave. Admission is free.
There is something for everyone: pottery, a variety of hand-made jewelry, Christmas ornaments and decor — some new, some vintage, cookies, interesting purses and bags, handmade clothing for children and adults, original artwork and prints by local artists, handmade soaps, candles, and many vintage and collectible items. Whether you are shopping for gifts or for yourself, you will find something unusual that catches your eye.
The Historical Society’s newest publications include Madge by Charlotte Halsema Ottinger, the story of a young woman who brought down the Klan; and Walking in the Footsteps of the Founders, the history of the founding of an African-American sorority at Butler University in Irvington in 1922 and includes a look at the world they would have known. There are also other books about the Klan, D.C. Stephenson, H.H. Holmes, and others plus the 2nd edition of Paul Diebold’s Irvington Architecture.
Over 25 carefully selected artisans, craftspeople, authors, and organizations will take part in this year’s Holiday Fair. Artists such as Dee Banta, Paul Diebold, Cheryl Anne Lorance, and several more will have their works for sale. Also look for pottery, glass creations, personal care items, Restored Creations (the Wheeler Mission), PAGSBAGS, vintage items from Char Ottinger Flick, jewelry, and a variety of crafts people will be on hand. Revivable Goods (Betsy Cooprider-Bernstein and Alan) will provide edible goodies to take home.
Proceeds from the fair go to support the Irvington Historical Society and help to support the maintenance of the historic Bona Thompson Memorial Center. The building was once used as the library of Butler University when it was located in Irvington. It was saved from demolition and restored to its former glory, opening in 2002 as the permanent home of the Irvington Historical Society.
The building houses art from nationally-known artists, emerging local artists, plus a research center for local history. It is also home to an extensive collection of International Harvester items, and permanent displays of Kin Hubbard and Abe Martin works, Howe High School items, and the West Baden Angels.
For more information about the mission of the Irvington Historical Society, to volunteer to help them out on their many projects, and to find out the history of the building, visit irvingtonhistory.org
