The Irvington Historical Society’s annual Holiday Fair promises to have something for everyone on your shopping list this year. Held at the Bona Thompson Memorial Center, 5350 University Ave., visitors can browse through the many vendors with unique items for sale. Hours for the sale are 5-9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 22 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23. Admission is free.
The Bona will be decked out in holiday spirit, focused around the large Christmas tree lit up and decorated with handmade and vintage baubles. Volunteers decorate and prepare for this event, so please thank them for their efforts.
The Bona Bookstore has a variety of books on various aspects of Irvington history for the readers on your list. Check out Celebrating Fifty Years of Homes — a coffee-table-style book with includes pictures and stories about every house that has been on The Benton House Irvington Tour of Homes. Popular books are Char Ottinger’s Madge and These Days by Abe Martin (Kin Hubbard).
There is something for everyone: pottery, jewelry, Christmas ornaments and décor (some new, some vintage), interesting purses and bags, handmade soaps, candles, and many vintage and collectible items. There are always delightful surprises Whether you are shopping for gifts or for yourself, you will find something unusual that catches your eye.
Proceeds from the Holiday Fair directly benefit the Irvington Historical Society and help fund the upkeep and improvements on the historic building. The building was originally 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
Just a bit down the way, the Benton House at 312 S. Downey is having its annual Holiday Bazaar on Friday, Nov. 22 from 5-9 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 23 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. This year, they will feature both indoor and outdoor vendors on Saturday, with an array of local artisans with items that are great for giving as gifts, or for yourself because you deserve it.
