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
-
-
Dedication held to show off park improvements
One of Oklahoma’s original 7 state parks is in the process of getting a facelift.
And a big part of the renovation at Boiling Springs was dedicated in a Wednesday morning ceremony and ribbon cutting. -
'Elvis' coming to Woodward
It’s time to get the sparkly jumpsuits out and head to the Woodward Arts Theatre.
Because?
Elvis is on the way. -
Camping areas going fast at parks
Labor Day Weekend marks the final major holiday of the summer season.
-
Appreciation Day to include free health screenings
The Family Wellness Center will be holding free health screenings for emergency service responders on Sept. 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Pioneer Room.
-
Remote pilots plan fun event
Remote control pilots like to fly their planes as a group to share in the fun.
-
Fargo sets open house at school
Fargo Public Schools is inviting past and present students, parents and community members to attend its open house tonight from 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m.
-
Enrollment up at several schools
Several local schools in the area had quite an increase in student enrollment for the 2010 - 2011 school year.
-
Heisman winners enjoy visit
Saturday afternoon hundreds of University of Oklahoma football fans attended an autograph signing at Southgate United Supermarket featuring Sooner Heisman Trophy Winners Steve Owens (1969), Billy Sims (1978), and Jason White (2003).
-
Cupcake decorating among High Plains courses
Cupcakes are everywhere.
Just turn on your cable and you’ll see shows like “Cupcake Wars” on the Food Network and “DC Cupcakes” on The Learning Channel (TLC). -
CBR ticket sales to help area non-profits
The Woodward Tourism and Convention Bureau is spending $30,000 to bring in a Championship Bull Riding (CBR) event on Sept. 18.
- More Local News Headlines
-






