CLEVELAND — After weeks of speculation, the mystery has finally been lifted as the new owner of the iconic house from A Christmas Story in Cleveland has been revealed.
Who is it?
While some movie fans had speculated it could be one of the movie’s cast members, the new owner of the house at 3159 West 11th Street is somebody who has been connected to the property for years.
His name: Joshua Dickerson.
"I love everything Cleveland and there’s nothing more cleveland than a Christmas story house. To me it’s right up there with the Browns, the Guardians," Dickerson said.
Dickerson is a Cleveland native. When the Christmas Story House opened in 2006, he was a volunteer helping to get ready for the event. Then from 2008 to 2017 he worked his way up from warehouse employee to manager to CEO of the company.
"Getting to run something so iconic, so Cleveland is awesome. A fun experience and really an honor, you know, that I get to kind of carry the torch going forward."
When founder Brian Jones put the home up for sale one year ago, Dickerson waited like the rest to see who would take over. He said the house received some serious offers over the last year—including one that almost went through.
"Very close there several months ago. We were right on the cusp of being sold to someone else," he said.
"Brian, for whatever reason, backed out of that and had a plan b. And he approached me and said, 'What if you take an equity stake and become managing partner?' And I thought about it for about a second and a half and I’m like, absolutely. What a cool opportunity. Like I said, I’ve poured my soul into this company so it was a no brainer for me."
When 3News' Matt Rascon asked Dickerson if he had any changes for the property in mind he said, "No, absolutely not. I like to think we run a wonderful operation here. There's nothing to change, other than some little things here and there--maintenance--that sort of thing. Things will go on as normal. No one has to worry."
The announcement was made with the following statement posted on Facebook Tuesday morning:
A Christmas Story House and Museum is pleased to announce that we have reached an agreement for a change in ownership. Joshua Dickerson, the current CEO is taking an equity stake in the company and will become it’s Managing Partner. A native Clevelander, Mr. Dickerson has been with the company for almost 16 years having assisted friends and family in their jobs at the company before being hired himself as a warehouse employee. Over the years Mr. Dickerson worked his way up to eventually become the CEO. While the face of the company has long been the founder, Brian Jones, the true work, and performance has been borne by Mr. Dickerson behind the scenes. It seemed only fitting that he should take the final step and become an owner. There are few things more fulfilling and rewarding in life than owning your own business. Congratulations Josh.
Prior to this announcement, rumors had been swirling that actor Peter Billingsley -- who portrayed Ralphie in the movie -- was the possible buyer. He set the record straight while talking with 3News' Dave Chudowsky during an interview at WKYC Studios earlier this month.
“I can confirm that I did not purchase the house. I don’t know who did either," Billingsley said at the time. "Generally, we know these things. We can find these things out. This is highly confidential, apparently. To think that the house is now a museum here. I’ve never been, so maybe I’ll go check it out.”
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 the previous owner, Brian 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, which has become a bucket list tourist destination for film fans around the world, 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.
See behind-the-scenes footage of the film's production in Cleveland with this video pulled from the WKYC archives:
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 a 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.