Happy 2024! We’re gonna ask you to stretch Christmas out just a bit longer. Drop by one of our favorite spots in the Upstate! Now playing at the Upcountry History Museum thru Sunday, January 21st – “A Very Grinchy Christmas.”

This children’s book turned into the most watched holiday special in tv history, “How The Grinch Stole Christmas.” Dr. Seuss, Theodor Geisel wrote the book in 1957 (I was today years old when I learned Dr. Seuss wasn’t his real name). Looney Tunes animator, Chuck Jones, morphed the story into a twenty six minute film that first aired in December 1966. The 1966 version was narrated by Boris Karloff, aka Frankenstein! Google him, he was a regular on Shock Theatre in the 60’s. In the early days of television, shows relied on company sponsors for funds to start production. Not like today, when production companies provide funding for projects. Didn’t know that either. Jones pitched his Grinch story to dozens of potential sponsors with no success. Finally, the Foundation for Commercial Banks agreed to, in the words of Jerry McGuire, show him the money. The over $300,000 (2.2 million today) budget was unheard of for a cartoon.
“A Very Grinchy Christmas” is making its’ southern debut at the museum. The items in the exhibit are from a private collection and illustrate the book and television special’s theme on giving and the power of optimism.
Grab your family and head to the Upcountry History Museum before the Grinch sneaks out!