The story of Department 56 begins 30 years ago in the town of Stillwater, Minnesota, on the St. Croix River. On their way to a holiday dinner at a small country inn, a group of friends rounded a bend in the road and came upon a turn-of-the-century village. It took their breaths away. What they saw was magical. Covered in a glistening blanket of fresh snow was a picturesque setting of quaint little houses, glowing shop windows, a bakery, a toy store, a fire station, an old-fashioned schoolhouse and a Town Hall with smoke rising from its chimney.

The charming homes had wreaths in their windows, welcome mats at the door and shimmering icicles hanging from their eaves. The lampposts were wrapped in holly and the church bell echoed throughout the quiet town. It was so awe inspiring, the friends decided they would recreate thisidyllic scene and Department 56 was born!

In 1976, Department 56 introduced The Original Snow Village, with six hand-painted ceramic buildings. Department 56 has come a long way since that snowy night thirty years ago.

Going back to their roots, the designer studied the shops of Stillwater and combined architectural details from many of them into one—"Stillwater Collectibles & Antiques." The first building to incorporate Stillwater in its title, making this building extra special. Until now, Department 56 has never successfully created a lighted Village inside a building. But, due to the collaboration of many people on the creative team of designers and sculptors, this building features a display of the six original buildings from 1976 inside the window of the shop. And each individual Village piece lights up! Like many of the shops in Stillwater that have balconies overlooking the St. Croix River, this piece also has a rooftop deck over the rear addition. The charming wreaths and holly garland seen on that fateful night have been recreated, the hanging lanterns light up, pearls have been added to the finials and pearlized paint adorns most of the trim to signify their anniversary. In many ways, "Stillwater Collectibles & Antiques" represents the very essence of Department 56, making it the most meaningful of the 30th Anniversary tribute items.

Includes: Adapter light cord; 3V bulb

Stillwater Collectibles & Antiques Department 56 Original Snow Village - Buildings Item #55383
30th Anniversary Special Edition

The story of Department 56 begins 30 years ago in the town of Stillwater, Minnesota, on the St. Croix River. On their way to a holiday dinner at a s
Price: $85.00