Once Upon a Nashville Night: The Story of Mr. Harvey's Nativity Scene
Once Upon a Nashville Night: The Story of Mr. Harvey's Nativity Scene
Once Upon a Nashville Night: The Story of Mr. Harvey's Nativity Scene
Description
Description
"Everyone who remembers Nashville's Nativity scene will enjoy hearing about the people who made it happen and learning about how it came to be. I couldn't put it down." -Fred Harvey III, grandson of Fred Harvey Sr.
"A thoughtfully crafted exploration of a fondly remembered moment in Nashville's history." -Bonnie Seymour, registrar and assistant curator of the Nashville Parthenon
From 1953 through 1967, Nashville's Centennial Park hosted a Nativity scene so grand, it stretched the length of the Parthenon, captivating visitors from all fifty states and many foreign countries, earning its place as the largest in the world at the time. Behind this beloved holiday tradition were three remarkable men: Fred Harvey Sr., "the Ringling Brothers of retail" who envisioned and donated the scene; George Silvestri Jr., an entrepreneur with boundless creativity who produced it; and Guido Rebechini, the master sculptor who brought the figures to life. These men created a community experience that enriched, even defined the Christmas season for over a million people.
Once Upon a Nashville Night is the story of how this extraordinary display came to be and the lasting impact it had on those who experienced its magic. Themes of business development, European immigrant entrepreneurs and artists, Christian symbols in popular culture, and the assumed unity of earlier, simpler days offer an overview of changing times in mid-century America.
Those who remember the Nativity scene will delight in the memories evoked, and everyone will more fully understand the ways that cultural, religious, and consumer life were briefly joined in mid-century Nashville, as they often were throughout the South. Mr. Harvey's Nativity scene was a stunning artistic achievement, and the gift to the city was not only an unparalleled gesture of generosity but also a symbol of a place and time in Nashville's history.
Critical Reviews
Critical Reviews
"Everyone who remembers Nashville's Nativity scene will enjoy hearing about the people who made it happen and learning about how it came to be. I was thrilled at how much information Wilson has uncovered and the investigative detail she has amassed. I couldn't put it down." -Fred Harvey III, grandson of Fred Harvey Sr.
"A thoughtfully crafted exploration of a fondly remembered moment in Nashville's history." -Bonnie Seymour, registrar and assistant curator of the Nashville Parthenon
"This book is a beautiful tribute to a piece of Nashville's history. The story of the massive Nativity scene in Centennial Park and the three incredible men who made it happen is told with so much warmth and care that it makes me feel nostalgic for something I never got to witness firsthand. Before blow-up snowmen and LED lights, this Christmas display was a true work of art and a wonder that brought visitors from all over the country to create memories that people still cherish to this day. This is a wonderful look back to a time when art, faith, and holiday spirit came together in a way we will never see again." -Kathleen Cosgrove, author of Engulfed and Entangled
"What a resonating tribute to the man and his son who made [the Nativity scene] possible, to the artists who created it, and to the city that loved it!" -Jean Roseman, Nashville History Club
"This unique and detailed book is sure to bring back the magic and wonderment of childhood memories to many Nashvillians. Family visits to the Nativity scene at the Parthenon were popular holiday traditions, as well as the place for dates and even marriage proposals. For those who remember shopping trips to downtown Nashville when the slogan 'Harveys Has It!' was a beacon to adventure, this book respectfully chronicles Mr. Harvey's achievements. His zest and showmanship brought so much fun and great shopping experiences to Nashville. In summary, this is an impressive piece of work, and one that will be of value in documenting Nashville's history." -Tom Vickstrom, historian, the Hermitage Hotel
"What a beautiful story about Harveys! This illustrates that 'the Athens of the South' has been our true identity (in Nashville) all along. It's probably not a coincidence that the gift of the Nativity scene was laid at the foot of our Parthenon. Innovation, creativity, and compassion are trademarks of many local unsung heroes. Fred Harvey Sr. was one of Nashville's many. This is a must-read for any study of Nashville history." -Captain Bob Henderson, USAF retired
Publishing Information
Publishing Information
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