– Submitted by Region of Three Oaks Museum
The Region of Three Oaks Museum (TROTOM) will host an afternoon with John Hancock on November 26 from 3-8 p.m. at the Three Oaks Heritage Hall, 8 E. Linden Street, Three Oaks.
The event is part of the community’s holiday festivities that include a Snowflake Stroll in the historic downtown and a tree lighting ceremony at Carver Park.
Hancock will be on hand to sign autographs and answer questions about the making of “Prancer” – a 1989 Christmas tale filmed in Three Oaks which he directed. The movie starred Sam Elliott, Chloris Leachman, Abe Vigoda and Rebecca Harrell. Hancock directed the film, as well as “The Girls of Summer,” which was also filmed in Three Oaks and featured many locals in the cast.
The Prancer Village model will be on display during the event. The model depicts the main street of the village as it appeared in the movie, complete with retro touches like older cars, a Christmas tree lot, and snow. It was built by Don Bowman who had worked for the FAA creating miniatures of airports around the country and retired to La Porte.
After it was featured in the movie, the model sat in the attic of the Three Oaks Library for many years until TROTOM Board members Nick Bogert and Randy Miller restored the main three sections in 2020. Last year, Liz Thomas and Chuck Garasic added lights to illuminate it.
DVD copies of the movie, packaged with TROTOM’s documentary on the making of the movie, will be available for $15.00.
