Hallmark "The Olympic Spirit Collection: Lighting the Flame" Christmas Ornament, 1996

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Artifact Overview

Already known for greeting cards, Hallmark introduced a line of Christmas ornaments in 1973. The company's annual release of an increasing array of ornaments revolutionized Christmas decorating, appealing to customers' interest in marking memories and milestones as well as expressing one's personality and unique tastes.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Christmas tree ornament

Date Made

1992

Subject Date

1896-1996

Creator Notes

Designed by Duane Unruh of Hallmark Cards, Inc. in Kansas City, Missouri. Made in China.

Object ID

2019.65.3919

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Plastic
Paper (Fiber product)
Cardboard

Color

Multicolored

Inscriptions

on front of ornament: Atlanta 1996 / TM, (C) 1992 ACOG / ATHENS 1896 / ATLANTA 1996 on bottom of ornament: Centennial / The Olympic Games / Athens, Greece - 1896 / Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A. - 1996 / (C) 1959 (Renewed) Shawnee Press, Inc. / TM, (C) 1992 ACOG / Hallmark Cards, Inc. 4 / U.S. Pat. No. 4,682,079 on front of packaging: KEEPSAKE / ORNAMENT / LIGHTING / THE FLAME / FLICKERING / LIGHT AND MUSIC / The Olympic Spirit Collection on back of packaging: Handcrafted - Dated 1896-1996 / Limited Warranty Through 1999 Enclosed / Plays "Bugler's Dream" / Sculpted by Duane Unruh / A unique ornament! Recalls the breathtaking / moment during the Opening Ceremony of the / Olympic Games when the Olympic Flame is lighted. / For four weeks, thousands of runners have / participated in cross-country relays to bring a / lighted torch from the valley of Olympia, Greece, / where the Ancient Games were held. / Now the final runner enters the stadium, / circles the track, and lights the / Olympic Flame. The Games can begin! / Issued to commemorate the 100th year of the / Modern Olympic Games, this ornament bears the / inscriptions "ATHENS 1896" and "ATLANTA 1996." / It plays the inspiring music you hear / at the Opening Ceremony. / The light flickers automatically and continuously. / To start music, press button located on ornament. / Music will stop when tune is finished. / Ornament plugs easily into any of the light bulb / sockets on a miniature tree light string. / Use only with standard U.L.-listed / light strings of 3.5- or 6-volt bulbs. / Attached connector cord allows for / easy placement on your tree. / Not for use with blinking lights. / Complete display instructions enclosed. / UL(R) / Look for other Keepsake Ornaments / and collectible figurines in The Olympic Spirit / Collection at your Hallmark retailer. / Official Licensed Product of The Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games, Inc. / A portion of the proceeds help fund the 1996 Olympic Games. on top of packaging: Hallmark on bottom of packaging: (C) 1959 (Renewed) Shawnee Press, Inc. / All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission. / AUTHENTIC / OLYMPIC GAMES / Atlanta 1996 / TM, (C) 1992 ACOG / COLLECTION / TM, (C) 1992 ACOG / Mfd. for Hallmark Cards, Inc., K.C., MO 64141 / QXE7444 / Ornament Made in China / Circuitry U.S. Pat. No. 4,682,079
Hallmark "The Olympic Spirit Collection: Lighting the Flame" Christmas Ornament, 1996