Star Band
Broad and Commerce Streets
Portsmouth, VA
What does The United Jewish Federation have in common with aluminum Christmas trees? Why, it’s Leon Cardon, co-founder of Star Band! Along with partner Carl Marc, Star Band was founded in 1948 in New York, then moved to the corner of Broad and Commerce Streets in Portsmouth, Virginia. Holiday Industries emerged as an extension of Star Band in 1959, starting with aluminum Christmas Trees. Leon Cardon’s 3rd son, Richard, worked with his father as a youth and still lives in Portsmouth. He generously shared his memories with The Aluminum Forest in March of 2020.
Richard fondly remembers that despite their Jewish faith, Leon loved Christmas. As a family, the Cardons observed Hanukkah, but on Christmas morning, Leon would be dressed in Santa pajamas (YES, I begged Richard for a photo, alas)!
Leon Cardon and his wife, Selma, left a tremendous legacy of leadership and service. They were very active in their synagogue, with Leon serving as president and Selma as a member of the choir. Leon was President of the Suburban Country Club in Portsmouth and a member of the Lion’s Club. They were both globally active in the United Jewish Federation and volunteered with the organization in Israel. Richard describes his parents as being a beautiful couple, each complementing the other. He describes his father as being very well-respected in business and in their community.
Star Band is especially recognized for their Medallion/Pom-Pom and Jewel trees, with glass balls nestled inside the poms. The Frostie Flock model has a red Styrofoam jewel- no surprise after learning that Star Band had an entire styrofoam division in their novelty enterprise.
POLES
The poles were an outsourced item, according to Richard Cardon. Interestingly, the holes were drilled at an angle. The bottom of the poles are tapered.
PATENTS
Star Band licensed under the Reece Paul patent 2,893,149
Courtesy of the United States Patent and Trademark Office
PRODUCTION
Star Band was a large company with many divisions and warehouses. The Sparkler Aluminum Christmas Tree production must have been prolific, as a great many can readily be found on any given day in the current resale market.
Presenting the Star Band Photo Gallery!
SPACER
Enjoy our selections from the 1965 Star Band catalog!
Images courtesy of Mark Podmore. Thanks, Mark!
A Sampling of Star Band Ads,
beginning as early as 1959!
