Our Mission

Manitowoc Aluminum Kitsch-mas was organized for the purpose of fostering an appreciation for the rich manufacturing history of Manitowoc, Wisconsin and the various phases of aluminum goods production that took place there throughout the later half of the 20th century. We make an effort to conserve various aluminum novelties and products as historic artifacts and pieces of art worthy of display and public appreciation. Emphasis is placed upon the aluminum Christmas tree - specifically of the Evergleam brand manufactured by the Aluminum Specialty Company of Manitowoc - in addition to other holiday items created by this and other local companies. We drive this interest with our annual displays, tours, presentations, lectures, interactive activities, and chiefly, the annual Evergleams on Eighth holiday event that takes place in downtown Manitowoc.

Featured Collectors

These are the people who make Evergleams on Eighth happen every year - without them, Downtown Manitowoc would be significantly less sparkly during the holiday season.

  • President

    Born during the Barbie Doll era, Barb is immediately mesmerized by the bling and dazzle of gleaming aluminum Evergleam trees. Barb’s fascination started at a young age when her Irish Grandmama proudly decorated her 4’ silver straight needle tree with glass balls. Each year granny’s tree would be festooned with a new ball of color. Red, green, gold and the monochromatic silver on silver! Light would catch the glittering branch and reflect in the ball creating a visual delight! Truly most memorable was the year when granny proudly introduced her blue-balled tree! A memory to last and a passion born! Today Barb has many Evergleam trees to enjoy…and none of them have balls. She leaves that special bit of history to her grandmama.

  • MAKi Vice President

    Jordan became interested in Evergleam after he received his first trees from his grandmother who worked for Aluminum Specialty Company. Fond of gold, he received a 6’ deluxe gold evergleam from grandmother for his 30th birthday… which cemented an obsession. He now owns multiple gold Evergleams in every size and style marketed by Aluminum Specialty, among many, many others. Also a skilled restorer of aluminum trees, he has painstakingly restored many of the trees in his collection to “showroom quality”, and is always happy to share his experiences and knowledge with others who wish to do the same.

  • MAKi Treasurer

    Cathy initially had no knowledge of anything Evergleam, until approached by Steve (below) to present the first ‘Evergleams On Eighth’ event in 2015. She soon began her collection seeking out 4’ trees with the assumption that after purchasing a few pieces she would have a sample of all offered in that size, but soon realizing that there was always one more style that she didn’t have! Her collection has a variety of sizes and shapes and most are used for displays around town during the season. She has been coordinator of the event since its inception, and now works closely with Barb and Jordan to get it all done!

  • Founder of Evergleams on Eighth

    Steve presented the idea of ‘Evergleams on Eighth’ when he felt his collection could help the downtown businesses increase foot traffic with window displays featuring some of his 200 trees. A native of Manitowoc, he began collecting after becoming intrigued by a window of Evergleams on display in the Washington St. Antique Mall. He has restored many of his trees with hours of techniques that make them sparkle like new. Each year, Steve not only continues to contribute trees to our cause, but offers his skills in staging their lighting - without him, many of the displays would fail to dazzle!

  • Super-Collector and Contributor

    Francine grew up in Manitowoc and is related to one of the Evergleam inventors, Wes Martin. Her large collection of unique trees, affectionately called Frankie’s Forest, has filled the Library since 2018 with not only trees but also specialty items from her many other vintage holiday collections, including items from National Tinsel Company and Mirro Aluminum. She also has in her collection an original 1962 Evergleam sales catalog, which has proven to be an invaluable resource with information and history from that era available nowhere else. Her generosity with both her time and her trees are greatly appreciated, as the largest of all the annual Everglems on Eighth displays would be impossible without her.

  • Supercollector and MAKi Benefactor

    Theron is a pilot, a writer, and a super-collector of aluminum trees of all brands. Hailing from Texas, the Wisconsin crew of collectors were able to meet him when he visited Manitowoc in 2017. The following year, he published The Wonderful World of Evergleam, and in 2019; Evergleam, The 60th Anniversary Edition. He has presented his own displays in Houston, and has now generously contributed Evergleam trees and accessories to the MAKi permanent collection. We are extremely grateful to him as these rare items will be on display as part of Evergleams on Eighth for years to come.