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Hixson's To Have Closing Auction - Saturday, July 19 | 9:30am

Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2025 11:36 am
by Jim O'Bryan
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Bill Hixson in the ornament room, 5 years ago.

HIXSON’S FLOWER BARN AUCTION A CELEBRATION OF CHRISTMAS MAGIC AND TIMELESS MEMORIES
Saturday, July 19 | 9:30am

Rachel Davis Fine Arts Auctioneers announces the sale of the collection of Hixson’s Flower Barn on Saturday, July 19, 2025 at 9:30am. In-person Preview for the auction will be held at Hixson’s, on Saturday, July, 12 and Tuesday through Friday, July 15-18 from 10:00am-4:00pm. The auction is online only, and the catalog can be previewed on-line at http://www.racheldavisfinearts.com after July 5th. Hixson’s is located at 14125 Detroit Road. For additional information please call Rachel Davis Fine Arts at 216-939-1190.

Step into a winter wonderland as we celebrate the enchanting legacy of Hixson’s Flower Barn, a beloved Cleveland institution since 1953. Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime auction featuring a treasure trove of Christmas delights and nostalgic wonders.

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Bill with his amazing book. I am honored to be mentioned in it a couple times.

The auction will feature over 25,000 Christmas ornaments, including exclusive signed pieces created by Bill Hixson for the White House Christmas celebrations, each with it’s own story to tell. Over forty Holiday trees, artfully decorated by Bill Hixson will be included in the auction. Showcasing a vibrant mix of colors and designs, themes include Irish and Spanish motifs, roses, fruit, Santa, peacock, nautical elements and more. The sale will also include Hixson’s personal Christmas tree from his home.

Among the highlights is the iconic sixteen foot tall Raggedy Ann, a beloved figure that has greeted customers with a smile since the 1960’s. This charming doll even made a cameo in the classic Christmas movie, “A Christmas Story.”

For those who adore the magic of holiday displays, we are offering a collection of automated window figures from Halle’s Department Store. Relive the joy of Cleveland’s holiday magic with scenes from “A Christmas Carol,” a whimsical “Alice in Wonderland Tea Party” and the iconic, “Mr. Jingeling, Keeper of the Keys.”

But that’s just the beginning, explore a diverse array of stained glass windows, chandeliers and noteworthy furniture. Decorative arts include porcelain by Goebels, Boehm, and a Nativity set by Fontanini by Roma.

When Bill Hixson passed in 2023, he left Hixson’s to his business partner, Matthias Burke. Burke remembers, “He was the best mentor you could have, just a good human being. Our goal through the sale is to re-imagine Hixson’s by creating a smaller retail location or possibly pop-up venues in different communities.” Matthias offered, “We want to keep the tradition of Hixson’s alive.”

Bill Hixson brought joy and beauty to his community year after year, becoming a cherished figure locally and internationally. His artistry, mentorship and holiday magic have left a lasting impression and will continue to inspire for generations.

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Bill signing one of his ornaments.

More on Bill Hixson and Hixson’s Flower Barn

Bill Hixson, beloved florist and visionary designer known to many as Mr. Christmas is fondly remembered for a legacy that bloomed over six decades. As the owner Of Hixson’s Flower Barn, originally opened in 1959, Hixson transformed a modest flower shop into an internationally recognized creative powerhouse.
Known for his boundless imagination and exquisite taste, Hixson’s work graced some of the nation’s most prestigious venues. His hand designed Holiday ornaments adorned the White House during the Reagan, Bush, Clinton and Obama administrations. He also contributed to presidential inaugurations and state dinners adding his signature elegance to historic occasions.
Hixson’s talent and vision elevated him to global acclaim. His designs became legendary reaching beyond the U.S. In Japan and France, he led floral design seminars that attracted devoted students earning him accolades in design circles.
Whether designing a bridal bouquet or a presidential ballroom, Bill Hixson approached every undertaking with the same warmth, generosity and dedication to excellence.

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Even the Raggedy Anne will be up for auction.

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