Every Christmas season, Santa makes appearances in pretty predictable places. Those on the nice list can typically spot Jolly St. Nick waving to crowds from parade floats, handing out toys at holiday parties, and posing for the camera at shopping malls. But sometimes Ol’ Kris Kringle shows up where you least expect him!
In the Springfield–Greene County Library Local History & Genealogy Department, we set out to find the jolly fellow hiding in our archives. Here’s what our Santa Sleuths found:
Making an Entrance
We’re used to seeing Santa at the mall for holiday photo-ops. But have you ever wondered how he gets there? In typical Santa fashion, he arrives on the roof, of course! And on November 18, 1978, Santa alighted upon the Battlefield Mall to an adoring crowd. We spotted him and firefighter Lonnie Jump from Station No. 1 peering out of a fire truck’s basket as he made his descent.
The Gift of Life
Sometimes Santa’s presents don’t fit in a stocking. We found Santa and Mrs. Claus (Ted and Jane Bourbon) giving blood at the Springfield Regional Red Cross Blood Center on December 22, 1981. According to the Springfield Leader & Press, the jolly pair took time out of their busy holiday schedule to remind people to donate blood before leaving town for the holidays.
Here Comes Good Old Santa… Paws?
Something doesn’t seem right about this Santa Claus, but we can’t quite sniff out what it is. This furry Santa was in the pages of the Springfield Leader & Press on December 23, 1962. If we didn’t know better, we’d say that this howl-iday figure bears a striking resemblance to Mimi, the 3-month-old poodle owned by brothers Terry and Bobby Boswell.
Phone Lines Ring, Are You Listening?
Ready for something more modern than the Polar Postal Service, Santa adapts to the 20th century. We spotted him in 1987 when he hopped on the Ho Ho Hotline to chat with children about what they want for Christmas. The hotline was staffed by residents of Hillhaven Convalescent Center, who attend Ho Ho Academy before fielding about 20 calls an hour dressed as Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
An Elf in Santa’s Clothing
Based on his youthful appearance, we suspect this Santa is a pint-sized imposter. Perhaps an elf escaping from the North Pole? Our Santa Sleuths investigated and discovered that it’s actually 7-year-old Rodney King Dishman. Originally made for a school play, Dishman’s festive red suit has come in handy as he doled out gifts to family and friends in 1958.
Bowled Over
Landing mid-lane, Santa surprised families at Sherm Lollar Lanes bowling alley on December 16, 1991. Showering guests with toys, $10 bills, brand-new bikes, and holiday hugs, Santa (night manager John Ashley) ensured all the kids made it on the nice list, even if they threw nothing but gutter balls.
It’s Lovely Weather for a Schwinn Ride Together with You
On December 18, 1980, Santa (Frank Polston) was sighted trading in horsepower — er, reindeer power? — for pedal power as he boarded a bike to deliver presents.
Christmas for All
Santa’s fingers stay warm all winter thanks to his American Sign Language (ASL) skills. In partnership with the Western Temporary Services, Santa (Randy Luna) stopped by the North Town Mall in 1983 to sign “The Night Before Christmas” and to listen to Christmas lists from hearing-impaired children.
A Rooftop Ruckus
Up on the housetops, reindeer pause, but on December 22, 1977, Santa’s stop was a little longer than planned. According to the Springfield News-Leader, Santa and his reindeer arrived at the Cerebral Palsy Center for a visit but didn’t have a chimney to shimmy down! Fortunately, the Springfield Fire Department arrived to escort Santa and his gifts safely to the ground where crowds of children eagerly awaited.
Workin’ Up a Sweat
Well, that’s one way to burn off the cookie calories! The Phillips family put Santa to work. He’s seen here in 1954 plowing Eugene and Justine Phillips’ front yard in an elaborate Christmas display at their Broadmoor Drive home.
Surf’s Up, Santa
We found Santa taking a well deserved vacation after traversing the globe for Christmas, 1984. As part of Lebanon’s holiday living window displays, Leslie Bradley and Santa (C.E. Willard) evoked a tropical scene in the windows of Eddie’s for Men.
Our Santa Sleuths have been on the ho-ho-hunt, but our archives are deep, and we’re sure there are more Santas hiding among the 35,000+ images in our From the Darkroom collection. If you’d really like to make the nice list this year, dive in and see if you can find what we missed!