Local News
Vintage Santas at Sod House Museum
The Sod House Museum near Cleo Springs will provide a historic look at Christmas as it hosts a variety of “Vintage Santas” from numerous countries and time periods on Dec. 12 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
“The Santa Claus we know in twentieth-century America is the legacy of Christian tradition, ancient and modern social customs, centuries-old legends, historical facts and the conceptions of a long line of writers and artists on both sides of the Atlantic,” said museum director Renee Mitchell. “The story of St. Nicholas begins around the year 270, in the ancient city of Lycia in Asia Minor. That story beginning has taken many twists and turns to become our modern Santa Claus.”
The Oklahoma Historical Society developed a program depicting many of these historic Vintage Santas who tell their own part of the story. Mitchell said the Santas will be “dressed authentically from their time period and country of origin.” She said the Vintage Santas will educate and entertain visitors while they “make a list, check it twice and find out who is naughty or nice.”
Some of the Vintage Santas who will be in attendance are:
Grandfather Frost, the Russian Spirit of Winter, he brings gifts on New Year’s Eve and is accompanied by Snyegurochka, the Snow Maiden, who helps distribute the gifts.
Weihnachtsmann, brings gifts to German children, Christmas festivities begin on December 6, when they leave their lists of Christmas wishes for St. Nicholas and receive candy in return.
La Befana, a kindly witch, brings presents to Italian homes. But parents tell their children that La Befana will leave only ashes if they are naughty.
Saint Nicholas, brings presents to Dutch children on the eve of December 6. He is said to arrive by boat from Spain, and he rides through the streets on a white horse. He is assisted by his helper, Swarte Piet.
Civil War Santa, who is the living embodiment of drawings created by Thomas Nast during the war between the states. His first published drawing of Santa was on January 3, 1868. This classic drawing depicted Santa arriving at a Union camp dressed in stars and stripes and riding in a carriage lead by reindeer.
This is a busy time of the year for Santas so one or two of them might not be at the Sod House but others you might see are: Ophelia Noel (1800 France), Irish Santa (1870 Ireland) and his wife, Tundra Santa (1840 mid- America), Tartan Santa (1850 Nova Scotia) and others.
Mitchell said, “come and join us for a rare visit with these historic Vintage Santa’s and hear their stories."
While listening to the stories of these historic Santas, the public can also enjoy cookies and spiced tea.
The Sod House Museum is located north of Cleo Springs on State Hwy 8 and operated by the Oklahoma Historical Society. Open Tuesday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information call Renee Mitchell at (580) 463-2441 or email sodhouse@okhistory.org.
- Local News
-
-
Hospital holds 'Lose 2 Win' support meeting
To help encourage “Lose 2 Win” participants to stay on track, Woodward Regional Hospital hosted a weight loss support and education meeting Monday at noon.
-
Blood drives planned
The Oklahoma Blood Institute (OBI) will conduct two blood drives Friday -- one in the blood mobile at the Wal-Mart parking lot, and the other at 101 Centre, 2728 Williams Ave.
-
National Honor Society induction set
The induction for new members into the Woodward Chapter of the National Honor Society will be on Tuesday, March 23. The ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. in the Woodward High School auditorium.
-
Woodward fire, police, district court records
Public records
-
County tells neighbors to 'work it out'
A resident in the Windover Addition southwest of Woodward was told by the county commission on Monday that her complaints about 4-wheeler use in her area was a law enforcement matter, not a county concern.
-
Commission turns down sewer claim
With two city commissioners off on spring break vacations, the Woodward City Commission held a short meeting Monday night.
-
Archaeologist discusses discoveries
Artifacts examined by Dr. Lee Bement at Saturday's "Ask the Archaeologist" event held at the museum included arrowheads, meteorites, and an approximately one million year old camel skull
- Several local council meetings set this week
-
Academies show the fun side of summer school
A number of Oklahoma colleges and universities offer middle and high school students the opportunity to participate in summer academies that give them a taste of life on campus while exploring exciting careers in math, science and technology.
-
OKC Zoo offers spring break fun
Spring break starts Monday and gives hundreds of Woodward school children a break from the rigors of academic study.
- More Local News Headlines
-
