From the Naval Academy to The House from A Christmas Story: The Journey of Brian Jones
From the Naval Academy to The House from A Christmas Story: The Journey of Brian Jones
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
From the Naval Academy to The House from A Christmas Story: The Journey of Brian Jones
CLEVELAND – The journey of 48-year-old Brian Jones from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis to owning “that little house on Cleveland Street” is a testament to his unwavering love for the holiday classic, “A Christmas Story.” On November 25, 2006, this passion culminated in the grand opening of The House from A Christmas Story, forever intertwining Jones’s life with his favorite film.
The House from A Christmas Story offers visitors a nostalgic trip through the iconic scenes of the beloved Christmas movie. In addition to the house, guests can explore the museum and gift shop, which feature original costumes, props, and over 100 behind-the-scenes photos. Fans can also purchase movie-related memorabilia, ensuring a fully immersive experience.
Jones, had long aspired to follow in his father’s footsteps as a naval aviator. After graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy with a degree in aerospace engineering, he attended flight school, only to discover that his eyesight disqualified him from becoming a pilot. Devastated by this news, Jones’s parents decided to lift his spirits with a unique gift—a homemade replica of the infamous leg lamp from “A Christmas Story.” This humorous and heartfelt gesture was inspired by the family’s shared love for the film.
The leg lamp became a hit, garnering significant interest from friends and strangers alike. Recognizing a business opportunity, Jones launched RedRiderLegLamps.com on April 9, 2003, selling replica leg lamps online. This venture marked the beginning of his entrepreneurial journey.
In the second year of his business, Jones’s wife, while deployed in the Middle East, alerted him to the fact that the house from “A Christmas Story” was for sale on eBay. What started as a lighthearted suggestion quickly became a serious pursuit for Jones. He offered the seller $150,000 to take the house off the market, and within 24 hours, the house was his. Jones flew to Cleveland for the first time to finalize the purchase.
Since its opening on Thanksgiving weekend in 2006, over 1,000,000 people have toured The House from A Christmas Story, making it one of Cleveland’s top tourist attractions. While Jones makes periodic trips to Cleveland, he currently resides in Ponte Vedra, Florida.
About The House from A Christmas Story:
The House from A Christmas Story, restored to its original movie appearance, is located just five minutes from downtown Cleveland at 3159 W. 11th St. in the Tremont neighborhood. It is open year-round, seven days a week, excluding major holidays. Tours of the house run every hour. Regular admission tickets are $18 for adults, $16 for seniors, and $13 for children. For more information or directions, visit www.HouseFromAChristmasStory.com or call 216-298-4919.
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