She was an animatronic tree that used to be on display at Breton Village Mall during the holiday season. (I found a couple mentions via google that say she was at Eastbrook Mall, and one that says North Kent Mall, but I swear it was Breton Village along with the amazing Polar Express display they used to have-- but I could be wrong!).
Anyhow, as far as I'm concerned, she was the epitome of kitschy Christmas and I had this overwhelming need to see her. I made the trek out to Breton Village, but I'm afraid Tillie (and the Express) is no longer.
I can't express how crushingly devastated this discovery was. I like to imagine her leading a songs on the Island of Misfit Toys.
Merry Christmas Tillie.
Yes, Tillie the Talking Christmas Tree was a fixture at Eastbrook Mall when I was a kid (35 years ago). I live in New Mexico now and I got to thinking of her earlier this evening while watching a Christmas show with my kids and found your post - guess we tend to get a bit nostalgic for our childhood.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad I'm not the only one reminiscing! We've confirmed it was Eastbrook Mall (now Centerpointe) not Breton. I found this blog post by a woman who used to BE Tillie. I didn't even realize there was a person inside! I thought it was all mechanical. Tells you how many years it's been and how fuzzy my memory is! http://garlandhouse.blogspot.com/2008/11/tillie-talking-christmas-tree.html
ReplyDeleteWhoa. Dude. I was just posting to my FB wall asking about this exact thing. I live in California now, but grew up in GR. I'm now 40. I had forgotten it was named "Tillie". I recollect distinctly encountering her at Eastbrook Mall. Maybe it moved around or there were more than one? I have a hard time recalling the specific look besides the fact that it had a creepy grin. lol. Thanks for the memories :)
ReplyDeleteI love that people from all over the country remember Tillie! I'm 28, so I think it's safe to assume Tillie was around for at least a decade. Which means she very well could have appeared at multiple malls.
ReplyDeleteMentioning Tillie has sparked so many holiday reminisces the last few weeks that I think I'm motivated to see if i can find out more of her history!
Hello there! I was one of the people inside Tillie! So glad to read your article. Thanks for sending people to my blog! Many fond memories inside Tillie. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteHi Kim, I am working on a project in which we are trying to resurrect Tillie and a few other past faves like the Herp's train and talking Rudolph. Do you have any pictures? I tried to find your blog. It was not accessible. (see www.facebook.com/holidaymemoriesofdowntowngrandrapidsMI)
DeleteKim, thanks so much for commenting— I feel like people out there really want to know what happened to Tillie! I'd love there to be a feature on her for holiday 2012. If I can pull anything together I'll be in touch!
ReplyDeleteIf you have ever found anything, do share at www.facebook.com/holidaymemoriesofdowntowngrandrapidsMI
DeleteHey Teresa: I always meant to go back and research this more, but i never did. When i originally posted the blog i searched and searched for images and didn't find anything. But i think there's a women in Rockford, working at Bodacious boutique, that used to also be Tillie!! I'd be so pumped of someone resurrected this!
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