CLEVELAND — When the iconic Cleveland house used in A Christmas Story first went up for sale last year, it was a moment that captured national attention.
Who would become the new owner? Who was going to take over the legendary property at 3159 West 11th Street in Cleveland's Tremont neighborhood?
While some fans had speculated it might be Ralphie actor Peter Billingsley, the new owner was officially revealed Tuesday morning as Joshua Dickerson.
But who is he?
Dickerson is somebody who has been connected to the house for years -- and now we’re learning even more about how he became the new owner.
Brian Jones, the man who bought the house and transformed it into a bucket list destination years ago, posted the following update on Facebook Wednesday morning to explain more about the decision -- and he also revealed that an actor from the film was among "a couple serious contenders."
Why I Chose Joshua Dickerson
By Brian Jones
I chose Josh because Josh chose Josh. And Josh chose all of you who are reading this. Confused? Bear with me and I will explain.
As I went through the process to sell the business, I had built up over 20 years I read and listened to fans and what they wanted for the future of A Christmas Story House. At its base it boiled down to two camps: 1. People wanted A Christmas Story House to remain the same and continue to be the beloved attraction it has long been. 2. They wanted the actors to buy it feeling that would add to the legacy and magic. I took these desires and points of view to heart. While A Christmas Story House & Museum is my business and I physically own it I have never seen the House as “mine.” It is ours; I am simply the current steward of this storied piece of Americana. The House “belongs” to us all. It’s a shared piece of our collective culture. A piece that binds millions of us to one another through a common love of the movie. It is with that in mind I set out to find the next steward of the House. I honestly did not know whom or what I would find. I fielded thousands of inquiries, hundreds of “offers” from the ridiculous to the very real. It came down a couple serious contenders including an actor from the movie. As we went through the process of the sale things bogged down for any number of reasons. This having been a public sale Josh and I had talked very openly about the sale and what it meant.
I guess we should pause here and answer the question you’re still all asking yourselves: Who is Josh Dickerson? He is the guy that makes it happen for all of you. You all associate myself, Brian Jones, the founder, with A Christmas Story House and assume I am the one making it happen. I assure you that while I do my part, I am not the one making it happen. Josh is the one who makes it happen for all of you. He leads an amazing team, puts in the long, long hours, makes the tough calls, and ensures that we are doing our best to meet guests’ expectation both when they visit A Christmas Story House and when they order from our online business. Josh is a remarkable person that is a rare find in humanity, he is exceptional leader, a caring and compassionate individual, an amazing employee, a dear friend, a person I truly admire, and a far better man than most.
As I pursued the offers to purchase the business and House things dragged on. I approached Josh and stated that while a deal was still possible, I wasn’t completely convinced we had found the right person to take it over. I gave Josh the choice: I could continue to pursue a deal and he would get the very large payday I had promised him as part of the sale or he could take an equity stake in the business, stay on as managing partner and realize the American Dream by become a business owner and his own boss. I personally would have taken the money and the guaranteed assurances it provided. But as a testament to his character Josh chose the latter. He chose to stay on. He chose himself Josh chose Josh. He chose all of you. He chose to be the next steward of the House and keep it alive for all to enjoy. We are all in good hands.
HOUSE UP FOR SALE
The home was officially placed on the market last year on Nov. 14, 2022, which 3News broke exclusively on GO! as Jones put the “for sale” sign in front of the property.
The asking price, however, was never publicly announced.
"Looking for the right buyer," Jones told 3News last year. "It's an interesting property to not only own, but you also have to take care of as a piece of Americana. It's going to be an interesting journey."
Neighboring properties associated with the house were also included in the sale.
“When we say all this can be yours, we’re serious,” according to the initial listing. “The entire campus is for sale, which spans a total of 1.3 acres including five buildings on seven parcels. Additionally, there are two public and one private parking lots, and two empty lots, which create room for further expansion."
MOVIE MAGIC IN CLEVELAND
The house has been ranked by TripAdvisor as one of the top things to do in Cleveland. Overnight stays at the main house and neighboring Bumpus house are also available.
While Ralphie’s house is the most-celebrated location used in the film, it’s not the only Cleveland spot seen in the movie.
The scene where Ralphie first lays eyes on the Red Ryder BB gun was filmed at the former Higbee building windows in Public Square. Remember the Santa slide scene? That was filmed inside the Higbee building, which is now home to the JACK Cleveland Casino. The Christmas parade featured in the film was also recorded in downtown Cleveland's Public Square.
Although the movie wasn’t a big box office success upon its initial release in November of 1983, A Christmas Story has become one of the most beloved holiday films of all time. It tells the heartwarming tale of 9-year-old Ralphie Parker and his desire to have Santa Claus bring him that Red Ryder BB gun. His Christmas wish takes plenty of twists and turns as the Parker family embarks on a hilarious holiday journey filled with countless lines fans frequently quote, while making leg lamps a must-have item in many households.