Some Marion residents may not know Thomas Mullins by name, but he is a familiar figure to many. For 18 years, Tommy has offered a friendly wave to passing cars and walkers from under his arch in front of his home, 1111 ½ East Center Street (which is also State Route 309.) In December, decorations fill the outside and inside of his home. On Christmas Eve, he stands outside in his Santa costume to pass out candy to children.
“I love to put a smile on kids’ faces. It even makes the grown-ups smile. I just try to make everyone happy,” Tommy says.
His wife, Melissa Mullins, agrees.
“It makes our day. I’ll go out to check on him. I see kids smiling from ear to ear. Kids and adults want their pictures with him. One family started coming when the kids were little. Those kids are teenagers now and they still come!” Melissa shares.
To thank Tommy for his cheerful waves, dozens of Marion residents sent him Christmas cards.
Costumes a Mullins Family Tradition
Tommy grew up in a family that loved giving and holidays.
“I always loved holidays. That was a tradition in our family. On Halloween, my parents and my uncle would dress up and go out trick-or-trick-or-treating after the kids came home!” Tommy recalls.
Family Brought the Mullins to Marion
Tommy and Melissa moved their family to the Marion area to care for Melissa’s mother when she was diagnosed with lymphoma. They originally moved to Cardington and then to Marion.
Tommy started his friendly waving to give him something to do while Melissa worked at Meijer’s.
“I built the arch and started talking to people,” Tommy said.
Tommy called the local police to ask if it was okay to dress up and hand out candy at Easter, Halloween and Christmas. Many firefighters, police and sheriff’s deputies will wave as they pass by. Major B.J. Gruber with the Marion Police Department sent him a letter for his birthday praising Tommy’s efforts to bring cheer to others.
“I wanted to thank you for many years in which you have brightened the day of travelers on East Center. My wife drives by every day. I want you to know that what you do has meaning,” Gruber wrote.
The “Face of 309” Gains Recognition
Years ago, Tommy was in line at Harding High School for his daughter’s concert when someone recognized him. “That’s the face of 309!” another parent called. That became Tommy’s name. Melissa and their daughter, Amber Lambert, had a sign made to hang behind the arch.
Wherever Tommy travels, he is recognized. At a Tiffin flea market, a man came up and tapped him on the shoulder and asked, “Why aren’t you at your post under the arch?”
Whether Tommy is in Delaware or Upper Sandusky, he is recognized by school children who see him from their bus windows as well as community members and friends.
One truck driver offers Tommy a friendly honk each day. If Tommy stays inside, some of those passers-by will stop to check on Tommy.
Holiday Decor Keeps Expanding
While no longer willing to stand in the cold, Tommy plans to wave from the second story window once he takes down the Christmas tree standing there. There is another Christmas tree in another room and the house is as decorated inside as it is on the outside. A train loops an extensive Christmas village.
“My daughter helps me. It takes a few days to put together,” Tommy shares.
In between putting together gifts for his granddaughter, Tommy also takes time to make a new outdoor decoration each year to add to the fun.
Tommy and Melissa appreciated the 60 Christmas cards they received from appreciative community members.
“It warms our hearts,” Melissa says.
To Send Tommy a Card:
- Tommy Mullins
- 1111 1/2 East Center St.
- Marion, OH 43302
MarionMade! is a program of Marion Technical College.
