Once Upon a Nashville Night

""Everyone who remembers Nashville's Nativity scene will enjoy hearing about the people who made it happen and learning about how it came to be. I was thrilled at how much information Wilson has uncovered and the investigative detail she has amassed. I couldn't put it down."" -Fred Harvey III, grandson of Fred Harvey Sr. ""A thoughtfully crafted exploration of a fondly remembered moment in Nashville's history."" -Bonnie Seymour, registrar and assistant curator of the Nashville Parthenon ""This book is a beautiful tribute to a piece of Nashville's history. The story of the massive Nativity scene in Centennial Park and the three incredible men who made it happen is told with so much warmth and care that it makes me feel nostalgic for something I never got to witness firsthand. Before blow-up snowmen and LED lights, this Christmas display was a true work of art and a wonder that brought visitors from all over the country to create memories that people still cherish to this day. This is a wonderful look back to a time when art, faith, and holiday spirit came together in a way we will never see again."" -Kathleen Cosgrove, author of Engulfed and Entangled ""What a resonating tribute to the man and his son who made [the Nativity scene] possible, to the artists who created it, and to the city that loved it!"" -Jean Roseman, Nashville History Club ""This unique and detailed book is sure to bring back the magic and wonderment of childhood memories to many Nashvillians. Family visits to the Nativity scene at the Parthenon were popular holiday traditions, as well as the place for dates and even marriage proposals. For those who remember shopping trips to downtown Nashville when the slogan 'Harveys Has It!' was a beacon to adventure, this book respectfully chronicles Mr. Harvey's achievements. His zest and showmanship brought so much fun and great shopping experiences to Nashville. In summary, this is an impressive piece of work, and one that will be of value in documenting Nashville's history."" -Tom Vickstrom, historian, the Hermitage Hotel ""What a beautiful story about Harveys! This illustrates that 'the Athens of the South' has been our true identity (in Nashville) all along. It's probably not a coincidence that the gift of the Nativity scene was laid at the foot of our Parthenon. Innovation, creativity, and compassion are trademarks of many local unsung heroes. Fred Harvey Sr. was one of Nashville's many. This is a must-read for any study of Nashville history."" -Captain Bob Henderson, USAF retired