The real 'Christmas Story' house, unwrapped

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BY MOLLY WOULFE
mwoulfe@nwitimes.com
219.852.4329 | Sunday, November 16, 2008 | (26 comment(s))

HAMMOND | No bronze plaque sets the blue frame bungalow apart in Hessville.

But climb a ladder and hoist yourself into the unfinished attic. Chalk inscriptions reveal the secret identity of 2907 Cleveland St.

It's the real "Christmas Story" house.

"17 yrs. old. Jean Shepherd. 2/18/39," reads a smudged scrawl under the western eaves. "15 yrs. old. Randall Shepherd. 2/28/39" appears to the southwest.

Author Jean Shepherd, the real-life Ralphie Parker, grew up in this modest, single-family home in the late 1920s and 1930s. "Shep" decamped Hammond in 1939, the year he and "kid brother Randy" doodled in the attic. But the Hammond High grad never left his hometown behind. The writer-radio raconteur mined his boyhood memories of "Hohman" for his books and "Christmas Story" film.

The house's owners, Lawrence and Brendan Moran, bought the six-room bungalow in 1978. Like Shep and alter ego Ralphie, their three sons -- Dan, James and John -- attended nearby Warren G. Harding Elementary School.

He still remembers coming home "and smelling that old furnace," said Dan Moran, 35.

The original clunker -- which inspired the Old Man's (Darren McGavin's) tirades -- was replaced years ago with an "octopus" furnace. But "the coal chute's still on the side of the house," Dan Moran said.

Directed by Bob Clark and narrated by Shepherd, the You'll-Shoot-Your-Eye-Out epic ranks as one of Warner Home Videos' top 10 moneymakers. According to TBS, home of the "Christmas Story" marathon, more than 45 million viewers tune in annually to watch Flick try to lick a flag pole and Randy eat "like the piggies." This year's showing will mark the 25th anniversary of the holiday chestnut.

"Christmas Story" fans start showing up every year "as soon as the movie begins showing," Brenda Moran said.

No leg lamp blazes in the window of their home in the working-class neighborhood. But the Morans own a wee night-light replica and enjoy watching the film every year. A private residence, the three-bedroom house is off limits to tourists. "Shepheads" can take photos from the street.

The family was unaware of its home's literary and cinematic ties until Randall Shepherd stopped by in the 1980s. John Moran and his brothers, sitting on the porch, saw a limousine pull up, he said. Shep's sib introduced himself and asked to tour his former house. His mother declined, because "she didn't know him from Adam," said John Moran, 32. The family discovered the attic graffiti in 1989.

By coincidence, John's son -- Aiden Moran, 6 -- resembles young Ralphie (Peter Billingsley). "Except for the different glasses," John Moran said.

Despite his love/hate relationship with Hammond, Shep called his hometown "the center of all my writing," referencing friends, teachers and landmarks in his works. Parents Jean and Anna Shepherd were reborn as "The Old Man" and "Mother." Randall was Randy. The long-gone Goldblatt's and Cam Lan Restaurant in downtown Hammond were the likely models for Higbee's and the Chop Suey Palace.

Yet his humble 1,032-square-foot childhood home inspired some of the best "Christmas Story" scenes. The self-described "Cleveland Street Kid" staged Ralphie's "decoder ring" and "Lifebuoy" vignettes in the sole bathroom. The Old Man's "clinker" tirade was set in the basement.

The kitchen still has the original sink, under which Randy took refuge after the Ralphie-Scut Farkus brawl. The real McCoy has shelves.

Shep hand-picked the two-story frame house in Cleveland that doubled for 2907 Cleveland St. in the movie. The view from the backyard clinched the deal. He could see mills, a fixture in his working-class hometown.

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Not sad to say goodbye. wrote on Nov 21, 2008 1:40 PM:

" Hammond was a great place to grow up in the 70's But I am very happy I moved away. You don't know that life can indeed be better until you move to some place else. I live in Minnesota the parks, schools, health care, water, air, homes, Need I go on is MUCH better here. You have more things to do from seeing the Twins play to the Vikes. Golfing, fishing, camping even the wages our higher here. And the race reations are much better here. People get along much better. Sorry Hammond fell to the ground But I am happy I got out. "

HessRes wrote on Nov 21, 2008 7:24 AM:

" As a former 60's era Hessville resident, I too remember the area as a safe close-knit community. I lived in one of those cookie-cutter post-war built homes in the “states” area of Hessville. Most children I knew were kids of a mill rat. And, boy, were there lots of kids back then! It was not unusual to be a child from a large family (I had 5 siblings) and we always had plenty for baseball and football games. And the neighborhood was always flurry of activity back then - neighborhoods nowadays are a ghost town in comparison. Children's lives today are so structured and nobody knows their neighbors like they used to. Back then, everybody knew your name! This movie is GREAT and it brings back a lot of fond memories to this old Hessville-ite! "

Mooch wrote on Nov 20, 2008 4:24 PM:

" My family moved out of Hammond in the seventies, but once in a while I still drive by the old house. Those were the days. Watching the movie, I'm so proud of it. I actually do sit and watch it for 24 hours on Christmas Eve. Well, now I'm getting older so I have to sleep sometime within that 24 hours, but it's my all-time favorite. It reminds me of the happier times when I lived with Hammond, and the neighbors were friendly, watched out for us kids, we weren't afraid to play away from our backyards, our doors were always open and welcome to everyone. The first showing of the season, the movie just brings tears to my eyes! Love it! I miss the days of Goldblatt's, the Hammond parade, C. Minas, and I think there was a store called Cinderella that sold all kids clothes. Just a great place to grow up in Hammond back then. "

Mayor needs to act on this wrote on Nov 18, 2008 8:26 PM:

" The city of Hammond needs to make a handsome offer to buy the house, restore it to its origional format, and make it a musuem / historical land mark / attraction. This is not unheard of. Munster has the "Kaske House", which is a museum, which I'm pretty sure, generates money for the town of Munster. "Kaske House" has been featured in some books, but does not enjoy the same notariety as the "The Christmas Story" house. It does not have to become a circus, (I'm sure the locals dont want that), perhaps limited hours, like the Kaske House, but it could still be parlayed into a viable asset to the city. I hope the mayor and the curent owner recognise what a great opportunity this could be for all. They could make a huge profit on the sale of their home, and the city of Hammond would have another source of revenue. I dont think anyone should underestimate the national appeal that " A Christmas Story" has, and the opportunities that lie therein! "

Bumpas Hound wrote on Nov 18, 2008 7:52 PM:

" This movie is a classic, and relatable to those who grew up in Hammond! "

Youll Shoot Your Eye Out wrote on Nov 18, 2008 12:34 PM:

" This is my ALL TIME favorite movie!! I used to live on 163rd and didn't know this house was just a couple of blocks away!! I cannot wait until the TBS marathon (even though I bought this movie on DVD!!) "

Hammond gal wrote on Nov 17, 2008 8:00 PM:

" Flicks is still on Kennedy and it is not a gang hangout. If you lived in Hammond as long as I have you would know that. The city has went thru alot of changes over the years. I moved out of Hammond for a couple of years and came back. I have lived here for over 50 years. "

HAMMOND IS A CITY wrote on Nov 17, 2008 8:10 AM:

" I'm a Hoosier, born at St Margarets (N)and currently own a home in Hammond. I have lived in Lake, Porter and St Joseph county. I have also lived out west, 4 years in Southern California, 2 years in Southern Colorado, 7 years Illinois, and I will be relocating to Chicago soon, but Hammond will always be my home. People always compare Hammond (and Gary) which are cities, to places like Schererville and Munster, which are Towns. Hammond is like any city, it does have its "armpit". But it's a city full of History and beautiful historical homes and landmarks. It has its problems, like any city. I'm glad the CITY of Hammond was able to save my home from flooding recently, too bad the TOWN of Munster was not able to do that for their residents! People who trash Hammond are either not from here, or they live in Hammond and have never tried to better themselves, and most likely, have never left the area. As for Jean Sheppard, he and his writing were the product of his Hammond upbringing. The film is relatable to me. The house is a treasure. And the house in Cleveland was just a "set"! "

Sandy wrote on Nov 16, 2008 10:41 PM:

" I Lived In Hammond in the 60's in a House which is now The Whitting Clinic
I remember Hammond well. I Went to Porter Elementry And I can't remember the name of the Junior High. "

Gavit Refugee wrote on Nov 16, 2008 10:20 PM:

" Yes, Hammond has seen better days, although, its NEAT that this cult-classic movie was based in the same general neighborhood where I grew up.

I left there in the 80s when the economic decline was obviously evident (and has only gotten worse), it was still a decent place to be a kid. The movie does bring back some fond Christmas memories of that steel mill, blue-collar, industrial area. In the 70s, I remember going to the Minas Dept store in Downtown Hammond a few times and also to the Parthenon Theater; in the 80s Woodmar Shopping Center had a good Christmas atmosphere along with all the action at the nearby arcade and the restaurants on Indy Blvd, Hammond had its own unique version of yuletide spirit. Jean Shepherd's epic definitely rekindles those memories - via 80s style.

There are still some good people in Hammond, just too bad its now more known for its gangs, crime, etc....

I will always enjoy 'Its A Wonderful Life' during the holiday season, however, because of its personal connection, I will enjoy 'A Christmas Story' just as much in a different way. "

Region Rat wrote on Nov 16, 2008 10:05 PM:

" Hammond is the greatest town ever.
Great Article!!! "

JW wrote on Nov 16, 2008 8:31 PM:

" Moved in in 1978. Havent done much upkeep sence have they. Oh well the typical Hammond home they must be proud. The house should be paid for. Now go buy some paint and a lawnmower. "

CJ wrote on Nov 16, 2008 6:34 PM:

" The history of Hammond In is over 100 plus year.

Take a walk through the Harrison Park Community and there are dozens upon dozens of hidden tresures. First Mayor of Hammond, the Hess House, and other significantly historic properties, not only specific to Hammond, but to the Nation.

The previous Mayoral Administration appreciated Hammond's history. Mayor Tom McDermott has no interest in preservation, historic pertinence other than putting a buck in his pocket and his next political office.

Walk the Harrison Park Neighborhood on a Sunday morning, take a look at the once great homes which were once the show case of Hammond. "

Pamela wrote on Nov 16, 2008 6:30 PM:

" I just realized that I have been in this house. My mom was friends with the owner, Brenda. Moran family good for you for owning such a great piece of Hammond history. I love remembering my days in Hammond and growing up on California Street. "

To wait wrote on Nov 16, 2008 6:26 PM:

" I lived in my previous home for 10 years and never once went up into the attic either. I've often wondered what might have been up there but it doesn't mean the house was in bad shape. I just didn't have a reason to go up there ever. "

Advanced wrote on Nov 16, 2008 2:39 PM:

" Lighten up people! A positive story written about Hammond and the naysayers start complaining. Let's try and find some good in "Da Region." Thanks for a good story. "

wait wrote on Nov 16, 2008 2:05 PM:

" So the current owners bought the house in 1978 and never went into the attic until 1989?

Makes me wonder what kind of condition the house is in, if they never bothered to go into the attic for 9 yrs "

Elevated Observationist wrote on Nov 16, 2008 1:05 PM:

" Shep was one of a kind...he lives on through his writings and hundreds of hours of radio show recordings that are easily obtainable on the net. "

joe wrote on Nov 16, 2008 12:21 PM:

" The actual house that was used for filming of the movie actually is in Clevland Ohio. THey filmed in Clevland and in canada. No filming took place at this house.

Its just the place the author grew up to write his short stories that then turned into the movie a christmas story. Shepard didnt write one book called a christmas story it was all short stories then turned into a movie by bob who recently passed away along with his son "

billy mac wrote on Nov 16, 2008 11:54 AM:

" Flicks is now a gang hangout. "

Writer wrote on Nov 16, 2008 11:20 AM:

" The Columbia Center still exists too........! "

Shep Fan wrote on Nov 16, 2008 10:53 AM:

" " Big deal; I never knew Hammond had a so-called, "famous" writer,never heard of him till a few years ago...."

Yeah, that whole reading thing is overblown, dude. Actually, Shepherd is one of the greatest writers to come out of Indiana. He was also a fine radio host on WOA-AM, New York. Indiana and The Region can be proud of this guy and the modern-day connection to the state through "Christmas Story." "

flicks tap wrote on Nov 16, 2008 10:34 AM:

" yes, flicks tap is still open on kennedy. never been inside there so i don't know what kind of shape it is in. "

shoot ur eye out wrote on Nov 16, 2008 10:32 AM:

" yes flicks is still in hammond "

Granny wrote on Nov 16, 2008 10:03 AM:

" As someone who has roots in Hammond, this is a sentimental treasure. Does Flick's Bar still exist on Kennedy Avenue? "

Reader wrote on Nov 16, 2008 9:53 AM:

" Big deal; I never knew Hammond had a so-called, "famous" writer,never heard of him till a few years ago. Anyways, it is better than the Dillinger legacy that Crown Point always toots about. Boy, are we desperate for heroes! "

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