World's Largest Catsup Bottle - Collinsville, Illinois

News and Information Archive : 2001

Date: December 6, 2001
• Mike Gassmann interviews with Dave Schwan of the Illinois Radio Network in Chicago. Dave has a syndicated radio show called "Illinois Byways," and he is a big fan of the Catsup Bottle.

Date: December 6, 2001
• Catsup with the Easter Seals! The 2001 Easter Seals Metro East Ornament of Hope featured the Catsup Bottle. The 500 ornaments sold out before Christmas! Natalie Stevenson, development director for Metro East Easter Seals, said the organization was so overwhelmed by the response that they made the decision on December 23 to special order more. All proceeds from the limited edition 24kt gold plated brass Christmas tree ornament benefitted the Easter Seals. The cost was $15 and it came in a felt case with a certificate of authenticity. They were available at Ashmann's Pharmacy, Jan's Hallmark, Old Peking Restaurant, Stitch 'n Thyme, and Downtown Collinsville, Inc., or at www.EasterSealsEvents.org.

Date: December 6, 2001
• Yes, Collinsville, there is a Santa Claus! Bad weather kept Santa from climbing the Catsup Bottle last year, but this year it's not a problem. Private funds and donations were raised in 2000 to purchase the new holiday decoration, but the jolly ol' elf never made it out of the box. Saint Nick is 16 ft tall and weighs in at 400 pounds. Special thanks go out to IBEW Local 309 and Pyramid Electric for the wiring, Rod Reinneck and his company for putting Santa up, Catsup Bottle owners Larry & Jim Eckert for always saying "yes," and to Steve Roustio, Bob Herr, and everyone else who helped with the funding. For more details and credits click here.

Date: December 23, 2001
• Easter Seals Ornament Sells Out! The 500 Catsup Bottle Christmas ornaments sold out, and Natalie Stevenson, development director fot Metro East Easter Seals said the organization was so overwhelmed by the response that they were ordering 100 more. To no one's surprise, during the last week of the year they received many more than 100 requests for ornaments!