Introducing Mr. Bingle!

You know Frosty the Snowman. I am sure you have at least heard of Olaf, but what about Mr. Bingle? I had not heard of him myself until my mother-in-law introduced me.

Mr. Bingle was created by Emile Alline Sr. to be the Christmas mascot for the department store known as Maison Blanche on Canal Street in New Orleans, Louisiana. Edwin "Oscar" Isenstrout is the puppeteer who brought the character to life with his marionette strings. The president of the store, Lewis Schwartz Jr. gave the holly winged snowman his name. Mr. Bingle, initials M.B. to share with Maison Blanche, the store for which he was created.

Today, Maison Blanche is no more but Mr. Bingle could never die. Now owned by Dillard's, who Maison Blanche sold to in 1998, Mr. Bingle still makes appearances as merchandise in Louisiana stores as well as on Dillard’s website. The ones who have truly kept his memory alive though, are those who grew up with ice cream cone topped character flying above their heads while Christmas shopping on Canal Street! Because of one of those starry eyed, Mr. Bingle adoring children he has been given new life in our home this Christmas season.

For more information on Mr. Bingle click here!