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.
