The Mail-Journal, Volume 4, Number 43, Milford, Kosciusko County, 30 November 1966 — Page 18

THE MAIL-JOURNAL

History Os Santa Claus, Indiana Just 10 years ago, a small community, located among the rolling and wooded hills in the Northern part of Spencer county, was still nameless. The citizens of that early settlement included among its leaders Rev. and Mrs. Mueller, of the Salem Methodist Congregational church, and a few other early migrators. They realized their community needed a name, but it seemed next to inrxjssible to arrive at a name suitable to all of the community. The year had almost come to its conclusion and it was Christmas eve when the determined settlers decided they were going to name their communitv* on that night, for that was to be their last town meeting of the year The town meeting was being held, as was the custom, to enjoy their annual

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Wednesday. November 30. 1966

Christmas eve church program and to exchange gifts among the neighbors. The singing and recitals had already been heard and the business at hand was the discussion of a name for die community. Name after name was mentioned and discussed, but for one reason or another. none seemed to really fit and so all were discarded. As was the custom in those days, the small children were there too. but they were seen and not heard. Each was excitedly clinging on to the sdes of his chair awaiting the arrival of jolly old St. Nick, so they could open and enjoy their Christ- ■ mas presents. It seemed that the ; adults had run out of names to suggest for the cxxnmunUy and everyione was silently sitting and thinki ing of one taut would be appropriat.“. Then, all of a sudden, the door flew open with the jingle, jangle that announced the arrival of the

old joiiy. red-suited friend of the children. All the children shouted in unison, “Santa Claus", as the jolly old gent waved a greeting to young and old alike. The soirit of enthusiasm and joy which announced the arrival of Santa Claus gave the ! cue to some of the older persons present. That would be the name of the town' The name of Santa Claus was proposed for the community and everyone joyfully agreed that from henceforth forward ! the name of their town would be • just that — Santa Claus. Indiana. It is certain that none of those oresent on that famous Christmas Eve had any idea that their action would bring World-fame to their community 100 years later. Fwir years jxissed before the ; town requested a post office in the name of Santa Claus and it was promptly granted: so. in 1856, the [Kist master gem ral appointed John Specht as first Santa (Taus, Ind., postmaster and authorized him to | establish a post office for the com- | munity. approximately one-half mile south of the church and the general store. It was here that the post office remained for the next • 27 years before it was moved approximately one mile southeast to the town of Santa Fee. now a part :of Santa Caus The post office, as was the practice in those days, was

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moved to the place of business or the home of the postmaster. In the ' eimly days, mail was received at the Santa Claus post office by horse riders and ox-cart. It was i the only post office in that area, so residents came from miles around . on the day the mail came in. to exchange news received from the out-1 side wxxdd. The name of the town was chang-' ed from Santa Claus to Santaclaus ! lone «wd on June 25. 1895. It remained one word until postmaster James F. Martin was responsible for having the name changed to I Santa Claus (twx> words 1 February [ 13. 1927. The magic of the postmark I with its relationship to Christmas i was used only sightly prior to Mar- j tin being named postmaster on i May 18. 1914. During his term as I postmaster he started the practice of answering all the children’s mail I that was sent to Santa Claus. This practice grew cnmpletdy o*it of his hands and. of course, additional help was necessary This was re- i ceived from the Santa Claus American Legion. During the past few years, since I the end of World War 11. the nation- i al pti>licity that has been given to i the developments at Santa Claus' have made the town one of the i country’s leading tourist attract-1

With A Handbag Or Two, She’ll Have Merrier Yule To make her holiday happy, hang a handbag on her Christmas J tree. And. for a new idea in giving, I why not present her w’ith a brace iof bags? Many women these days prefer ito carry two purses: an elegant I smaller leather bag, and a larger ‘ leather liandbag — perhaps a "feed-bag." saddle-bag or shopping ' tote type —for papers, books, shop ping parcels and other bulkier es- ! sentials. The gift duo can be matched, coordinated or completely different I :n style, leather and color, j For dressy afternoon wear, there i are pretty pouches, envelopes or j swagger bags trimmed with brushions. In 1951 over one-half million visitors saw the attractions and talked 'to Santa Claus in the famous village. known to everyone in the i United States. The Santa Claus j Clumber of Commerce has estimated that during the centennial I year of the town U 952» there was nearly one million visitors. ? NOW OPEN! «modeo'day» i | SHOP THE EASY WAY | |* THIS CHRISTMAS ~ 8 J *■ W J K Av. » 8 [« R 8 OUR LAYAWAY PLAN £ IS YOUR ADDED ADVANTAGE- J & —instantly available! »' ?! —doesn’t cost extra! *• y *. y Use it now to tuck away Christmas gifts priced from 99c for hosiery g all the way to 19.99 f(more or less) for a beautiful splurge! 8 S mode oday J ;* NAPPANEE, IND. «

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ed gold, distinctively styled handles cr a second leather texture or color. More informal satchels. totes, slsoulder. strappers and pouches in medium to large sizes can serve her smartly through busy hours of working, shopping, visiting. Shell cherish ’most any style in the current handbag collection crafted from handsome, durable

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leather textures — patent, grained and smooth leathers, suede, brushed and waxy leathers, embossed and saffian leathers. Gala occasions will be doubly delightful with the gift of a glamorous late-day or evening bag. Choices include lustre, smooth, suede or embossed leathers. For fun, some have long shoulder

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Manwaring. Julie and Jennifer of Mentone, and Mr. and Mrs. James Miner of Syracuse were Thanksgiving day dinner guests of Mr. and Mrs. Everett Miner of Syracuse. Mrs. Mae Rinker, Syracuse, has returned home from a-two week’s visit with relatives at Marion.