news
Oxford City Hall, from left, the University of Mississippi Lyceum
and William Faulkner’s home Rowan Oak are three of the buildings depicted in the University Museum’s series of Christmad ornaments. (Errol Castens)
In 2001, the University of Mississippi Museum commissioned its first Christmas ornament - a three-dimensional replication of Skipwith House, which preceded the museum at University Avenue and 5th Street.
Every year since, the museum has offered another collectible keepsake. Most replicate historic Oxford and Ole Miss buildings.
* Barnard Observatory was intended to house telescopes but became the Chancellor's Home and later the Center for the Study of Southern Culture.
* Brandt Memory House was the home of William Faulkner's brother John Falkner, a writer in his own right, and how houses the University Foundation.
* The Lyceum is the campus' oldest structure. Its columned facade is one of Ole Miss' best-known symbols.
* Rowan Oak is preserved as a museum to its longtime owner, William Faulkner.
* Ventress Hall, home of the College of Liberal Arts, has some of the university's most striking architecture.
* The Lafayette County Courthouse was rebuilt after being burned during the Civil War. Faulkner made it famous in "Requiem for a Nun."
* Oxford City Hall began its life as the Federal Courthouse for Northern Mississippi.
* Hamblett House was the home of primitive painter Theora Hamblett.
In 2010 the series commemorated an Ole Miss women's basketball jersey. This year's ornament features Hamblett's 1966 painting, "Christmas trees."
The entire series is available for $200 plus tax. For more information, call (662) 915-7073.
errol.castens@journalinc.com