Oh Tannenbaum?

This zany North Carolina museum serves as the perfect foil to wrap up holiday hilarity.

They save time, money, and trees. And hey, Elvis had one. Back in the 1950s, aluminum Christmas trees were the evergreens of the future-- fireproof, rustproof, and only some assembly required. Today this legacy is enshrined in a tiny North Carolina museum, home to 52 shining wonders.

As the leader of this forest of silvery sentinels, Stephen Paul Jackson has a mission: He wants to teach us about the little-known Aluminum Age. Squeezed between the Bronze and Iron Ages, this period was characterized by a lack of lightning and an abundance of aluminum trees.

You can view these glorious relics at the Aluminum Tree and Ornament Museum (ATOM) in Brevard, North Carolina. You might even run into Stephen there as he branches out from his career as a home designer and proves his mettle as the curator of the 4-year-old museum.

Trees aren't the sole focus of ATOM; "aesthetically challenged" holiday ornaments make up the rest of the museum. Take a stroll through the aluminum arboretum to view shining displays of kitsch.

Most folks remark on the Toile-- Tree, which features copper floats from toilet tanks. "There's something about copper that really shows up against aluminum," Stephen says.

Chances are good for an Elvis sighting at the King of Rock ' Roll exhibit. "Elvis actually used aluminum trees in his decorating," Stephen says. "It's fitting that we dedicate one to him."

If you needle Stephen long enough, he'll explain how this museum began. "It all started as a joke 12 years ago. I had a friend whose mother scavenged an aluminum tree off a garbage pile. Her daughters made her get rid of it, so she gave it to me."

That gift caused a chain reaction. Looking back to his own roots, Stephen remembered decorating his parents' aluminum tree. So he began hosting an annual tree-trimming party. "Guests had to bring the tackiest ornament they could find. Then they started giving me aluminum trees. Four years ago, I had seven trees in my house, so I decided to open my collection to the public."

Stephen is sensitive to the region's tastes. "I hope I'm not taking any business away from the Christmas tree growers around here. I don't think so," the aluminum tree hugger says. ANNETTE THOMPSON

The Aluminum Tree and Ornament Museum: located on West Main Street, Brevard, North Carolina; (828) 884-5304. Dates: November 16-December 31. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Dec 2002
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