Collectors always need space

Hudsonite Carol Palm, whose homes have frequently been on the Hudson Tour of Homes, recently received a patent for a collectibles tree display. The festive Christmas tree, which comes in four sizes, was the invention of Carol and her father, Leonard Bessa.

"I had to come up with something or I would have to quit buying," said Palm, who collects Department 56's Dickens Village. "I called my dad and told him what I was thinking and together we came up with the design." That was in 1994. After it was created, Palm displayed it at the Bachman's Village gathering. Since then Palm has completed the patent process and now offers the tree to people who collect items from Christmas villages to teddy bears.

The trees range from a tabletop model, which will hold 10 to 15 houses, to the 8-1/2 foot model that will hold 55 to 60 village buildings. They come with shelves, a treetop and garland. Palm's husband, Bill, is in charge of construction.

This year the tree will be on display at Gary and Sue Shurtleff's home during the Hudson Annual Christmas Tour of Homes.