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For Decades, Mr. Bingle Ruled the Holidays on Canal Street

For generations of New Orleanians, “Jingle, Jangle, Jingle” ushered in the start of the holiday season.

By Lissa Capo

December 5, 2018

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For Decades, Mr. Bingle Ruled the Holidays on Canal Street

Generations of New Orleans children still remember how the holidays were ushered in with a familiar tune: “Jingle, Jangle, Jingle / Here Comes Mr. Bingle / With Another Message From Kris Kringle.”

A snowman with holly leaves for wings, Mr. Bingle wore an upside-down ice cream cone for a hat and carried a candy cane wand. As Santa’s helper, Mr. Bingle helped kick off the holiday season in Maison Blanche department stores, promoting toys, books, children’s clothing, household goods, and more.

Black and white photo of a large department store decorated for Christmas with giant Santa and snowman cutouts. A tree stands outside, and people walk by. Buses and cars are on the street.

Mr. Bingle dominated the Canal Street streescape during the holiday season throughout the late 20th century. HNOC, Charles L. Franck Studio Collection, 1979.325.10

Developed by Maison Blanche display director Emile Alline Sr. in 1947, Mr. Bingle is said to have received his name from the initials of the department store: MB. Mr. Bingle was brought to life by Edwin “Oscar” Isentrout, who had previously performed racy puppet shows on Bourbon Street. With the help of Ray Frederick and Harry J. Ory, Isentrout created an enchanting puppet show starring Mr. Bingle in the downtown Maison Blanche building. With Isentrout giving voice to the childlike snowman, crowds flocked to the shows. Isentrout also took Mr. Bingle to visit children all over the city who were unable to make it to Maison Blanche.

To this day, Mr. Bingle dolls and merchandise are still available at Dillard’s locations and on their website.

Beginning in 1949, a 50-foot high version of Mr. Bingle decorated the front of the Canal Street Maison Blanche every year during the holidays. The beloved character had time on local television as well, with appearances every December on WDSU-TV, heralding the arrival of Christmas. Mr. Bingle, alongside Pete the Penguin and Dr. Walrus, helped promote Maison Blanche products to watching viewers.

Mr. Bingle became such a local icon that he even joined Santa in his yearly arrival at the New Orleans airport, via a special Eastern Airlines Silver Falcon plane. Following their arrival, Mr. Bingle and Santa would parade to various Maison Blanche stores around the city, before ending at the downtown store and its “Toyland” display.

Black and white photo of a retro clothing store with display cases filled with bags, hats, and accessories. Clothing racks with various garments line the walls. The store has wide aisles and bright overhead lighting.

An interior display at Maison Blanche's Gentilly store in the 1940s. The department store had locations throughout New Orleans and other markets. HNOC, Charles L. Franck Studio Collection, 1979.325.1717

Dillard’s Inc. bought the Maison Blanche chain from Mercantile Stores Company Inc. in 1998. Dillard’s, recognizing the cultural importance of Mr. Bingle, distributed a press release after the sale welcoming the popular character. To this day, Mr. Bingle dolls and merchandise are still available at Dillard’s locations and on their website.

After a brief stint at Lakeside Mall, Dillard’s donated the 50-foot papier-mâché figure of Mr. Bingle to the Friends of City Park. Since 2005, the figure has been part of the annual Celebration in the Oaks display, once again heralding the arrival of Christmas to New Orleanians young and old.

This story originally appeared in Historically Speaking, a column in the New Orleans Advocate presented in partnership with HNOC.