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When people ask ex-sailor Brian Jones what his job is, he often replies, “I’m a leg lamp salesman.” Or, “Have you seen the movie A Christmas Story?”
In fact, Jones has Ralph Parker’s iconic home Fantastic film from 1983, as well as the Film Museum and other related buildings on the same property. But his business and personal connection to A Christmas Story predates his 2004 purchase of the house on eBay.
“I’ve always considered myself the butler of the family,” Jones said. “This movie is a family favorite.”
Buy A Christmas Story Online
Ironically, it all started with some failed vision. Sure, not as bad as the bespectacled Ralphie, but Jones’ vision can’t pass the test of becoming a Navy pilot like he’s long dreamed of. He left flight school after graduating from the Naval Academy feeling demoralized.
Thankfully, his parents know how to put a smile on their son’s face. They made him a replica leg lamp like the one in the movie (“Why, it’s a major award!”) and mailed it in a wooden box – stamped “FRAGILE” typeface.
Not only did the light cheer Jones up, it also attracted a ton of positive attention from friends.its popularity eventually influenced jones to start Red Ryder Leg Lights Year 2003. The site sells not only lights, but BB guns, bunny suits and “Oh Fudge” treats, among other “A Christmas Story” collectibles.
It wasn’t long before Jones’ wife, also a sailor, was serving and heard that the film’s house in Cleveland was sell online, with bids starting at just under $100,000. She jokingly emailed her husband.
“It was a long email, about four out of five paragraphs, when she said, ‘Oh, they’re selling the house.’ I don’t read anymore,” Jones said. “I called the people, bid $150,000 on the spot. So yeah, I bought it without seeing it on eBay. “
upper part of holder
Jones isn’t from Cleveland; he’s never even been to the city where “A Christmas Story” was filmed. But the Floridian is undoubtedly a huge fan of the movie, enough to convince him to juggle multiple credit cards and home equity lines to fix what he calls a “dilapidated rental property.” He spent about $250,000 renovating the house, turning it into a duplex.
He hires a contractor to fix the stove, a move sure to please Ralphie’s foul-mouthed father. Jones also had them install hardwood floors, cut a hole in the ceiling, put the stairs back in where the movie was set, move the windows and even reinforce the cabinet doors leading to the kitchen sink while removing the plumbing. That way, guests can crawl in and complain “Daddy’s going to kill Ralphie!” like little brother Randy—Jones’ favorite movie tradition.
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“The whole house is interactive,” Jones said.
In 2006, he opened the “A Christmas Story” museum on the property, which has been visited by more than a million people since then.tourists can even overnight, On the third floor of the main house or at the Bumpus’ house next door (no hounds allowed; they might steal your turkey). Jones himself lives at the main house three or four times a year.
However, this will all end soon. Jones has put the entire Christmas Story estate — 1.3 acres, including five buildings on seven lots — for sale.
“It’s just time for me,” Jones said. “Now is the right time to find your next adventure in life.”
For Jones, the father of two high school seniors, those adventures could include more skydiving and renewing his pilot’s license. He said his military experience certainly came in handy when managing the property, giving him plenty of opportunities to demonstrate effective leadership over the thousands of small decisions that have such an iconic film history.
He will definitely miss it.
“It’s been an amazing adventure,” Jones said. “But I’m trying to get it ready so the next owner can take it to the next level.”
Of course, hopefully without shooting their eyes out.
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