The second-last in our series of department store Christmas icons is Mr. Bingle. The snowman-like figure appeared in 1947, the creation of Emile Aline for New Orleans’ Maison Blanche store. (Note that the store and Bingle share the same initials.) He appeared most frequently as a marionette puppet on children’s shows as Christmas approached but also appeared in a lively form for charitable events such as hospital visits.
His catchy theme song went:
Jingle, jangle, jingle
Here comes Mr. Bingle
With another message from Kris Kringle
Time to launch your Christmas season
Maison Blanche makes Christmas pleasin’
Gifts galore for you to see
Each a gem from MB!