top of page

J. Roland Muhn

santa rolland muhn.jpg

  Mr. Muhn was born June 24th, 1891 in the small town of Auburn Indiana.  At the age of 13, he dropped out of school and began work as a contractor.  He was working on rebuilding a house when the owner passed away. The widow went to the St. Vincent Villa Orphanage in Ft. Wayne and adopted a 12 year old boy, Mack, to stay with her.  John and Mack became good friends.  At Christmastime, having little money, the widow gave the boys candy and altered clothes from her husband. Mr. Muhn later wrote, "Mack cried because he did not get any new Christmas presents and that broke my heart.

  Mack and Muhn prayed together.  They promised God that when they grew up and had enough money, they would get the orphans at St. Vincent Villa "new Christmas toys or whatever they wanted."

  Then, World War I started.  Eventually both boys were drafted.  Muhn notice was deferred for sometime due to housing contracts.  However, Mack was sent to Europe where he died.  "I always thought Mack gave more than I did." Muhn wrote.  "When Christmas would come, I would always see Mack and myself on our knees praying to God we would make the orphans be happy at Christmas."  Muhn never forgot that promise.

 

  Mr Muhn went on to become a very successful contractor in the area. Muhn became owner of the Silver Moon Dance Hall.  He and his Elizabeth moved into the apartment above the dance hall.  One night, a patron that was kicked out came back and started a fire.  Muhn went to get something to put out the fire.  In the meantime, his wife went back into the apartment.  Muhn went back in and tried to rescue her.  He was unsuccessful.  His wife died and he was blinded and suffered severe burns all over. 

  During his recovery, Muhn again prayed.  He promised if God gave him back his eyesight, he would devote his life and half of the money he earned to helping others.  His prayer was answered.  He made a full recovery.  Mr. Muhn then kept his promise to Mack and his prayer to God.

 

  In 1926, he made his first visit to the St. Vincent Villa Orphanage.  Dressed a choir boy he delivered toys, candy and nuts.  This visit changed his life.  He felt so much better knowing he kept his promise to Mack.  

 

  Muhn then started something no other Santa had.  He opened The Silver Moon Toy Company.  At its peak, this company had over 70 employees.  They shipped wooden toys all over the country.  And of course, he gave many away to needy children.  He is the only Santa

to have had his own actual toy factory! 

santa roland muhn.jpg

  For over 50 years, J. Roland Muhn and his wife Ann, visited the orphans at St. Vincent Villa.  And not just at Christmas time.  Mr Muhn would visit every chance he could.  When he did, he brought cakes and candy for the children.  He and his wife also brought in other community leaders to help provide year round support for the orphanage.  Mr. Muhn did not just limit his generosity to the orphans.  Keeping his promise to God, Mr. Muhn gave well over half of his earnings helping those in need in this small community in Northeast Indiana.  Mr. Muhn wrote in 1976, "Life can be so sweet when you are happy and contented and can help others be happy and enjoy life." 

 

  Mr John Roland Muhn passed away September 6th, 1985.  The life he lived is such an inspiring one.  He overcame tragedies at a young age.  He suffered painful injuries.  And yet through it all, Mr Muhn remained dedicated to one thing....helping those in need.  He truly had the heart of Santa.  

​

​

  On December 5th, 2018, the town of Auburn gathered together to honor Mr. Muhn.  By proclamation of the Mayor, December 5th will be known as Rolly Muhn Day.  During the ceremony, a letter written by the Governor of Indiana was read acknowledging the wonderful and inspiring life Mr. Muhn lived.

​

​

The Santa Claus Historical Society is very grateful for the help and assistance of the

Eckhart Library and the Willennar Genealogy Center.  They provide a great amount of effort 

and resources in our research. 

santa claus historical society, Gov Letter.jpg
Santa don rekeweg
santa claus historical society, Santa don rekeweg

Friends of the Committee:

Riley Cheer Guild
Gigi's Playhouse Indianapolis
Santa Claus Museum and Village
Riley Children's Hospital
bottom of page