New Downtown Tyler Ornament Series on Sale at Gallery Main Street

TYLER — The City of Tyler Main Street Department has launched its new holiday ornament sale with an ornament depicting the People’s Petroleum Building in downtown Tyler. Each piece is $15, and all net proceeds benefit the Main Street Department. Ornaments may be purchased at Gallery Main Street, 110 W. Erwin. Main Street Director Beverly Abell notes that her department has to fundraise a significant portion of its budget even though Main Street is part of city government. She says along with using the ornament to raise money, Main Street also raises awareness of the many historic buildings downtown.

A news release says the People’s Petroleum Building, historically known as the People’s National Bank Building, was built in 1932 and was the tallest building west of the Mississippi, according to City of Tyler records. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is currently being restored. It is the site of several new businesses and offices, including the new Jack Ryan’s Steak and Chop House, which opened in November.

The gold-plated brass ornament is approximately three inches high and a little under two and a half inches wide. Ornaments are available on a first-come, first-served basis. There will be no further versions of this year’s ornament produced. In coming years, ornaments will be produced in the same format but will feature different downtown buildings. For more information, visit http://www.TylerMainStreet.org or call (903) 593-6905.