A commemorative Christmas ornament depicting a Sonora staple soon will be available to purchase.
The 2013 Christmas in Hardin County keepsake ornament, released annually by the Hardin County Chamber of Commerce, features the Thurman-Phillips Historical Home, which was built in 1897 by Josiah Phillips Jr. and restored to its turn-of-the-century elegance by Charlie Thurman and his family.
Located on Broadway Street, the seven-bedroom guest home has provided overnight accommodations to visitors for years while serving as a touchstone to the Victorian era with its vintage flourishes.
Brad Richardson, chamber executive director, said the Thurman-Phillips home was chosen this year in honor of Claudia Thurman, the former owner of Claudia’s Tea Room and Sonora city commissioner who died in April at age 69 after a lengthy battle with breast cancer. The white ornament includes a faithful reproduction of the home and pink lettering signifying breast cancer. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the ornaments will be dedicated to breast cancer research, said Helen Miles, programs and events coordinator for the chamber.
Richardson said Thurman always will be remembered as a strong advocate and contributor to the chamber’s work. She was involved in the chamber ambassadors program and was a fixture at the chamber’s monthly luncheons, even as her health waned. She was posthumously named a Chamber Champion in July.
Charlie Thurman released a statement through friend Rik Hawkins on Monday, saying it was an honor that the Thurman-Phillips home was chosen for the holiday ornament. Thurman also expressed gratitude to the chamber for recognizing his wife’s contributions to the community.
The choice of the guest home falls in line with the theme of the ornament during its 23 years of existence. Richardson said local landmarks prominently are featured on the ornament. Past ornaments have featured Hardin Memorial Hospital, the Hardin County History Museum and the Brown-Pusey House. Last year’s ornament celebrated Saunders Springs Nature Preserve in Radcliff. The goal is to pay homage to the area’s historical treasures, and Richardson said Thurman-Phillips certainly fits the criteria.
On a handful of occasions, the ornament has captured local events, such as the downtown Elizabethtown car cruise Cruisin’ the Heartland in 2011.
Richardson said the ornament will be sold for $7 and should be in stock by next week.
“If not, the following week,” he said.
The complete set of 23 keepsake ornaments, dating back to 1991, will be available for $110, he said.
Ornaments can be purchased at the chamber offices at 111 W. Dixie Ave. in Elizabethtown and at 306 N. Wilson Road in Radcliff. For information, call 270-765-4334 or 270-351-4550
