Celebrate 90 Years of the Iconic Santa Claus Statue
As we approach the 90th anniversary of the historic Santa Claus statue, the Santa Claus Research Committee is dedicated to gathering and preserving documents and information to commemorate this milestone. The Santa Claus Museum and Village is excited to showcase the rich history and significance of this beloved civic icon. Here’s a look back at the story of the statue that has stood as a symbol of holiday cheer and community spirit for nearly a century.
A Monumental Unveiling
On December 25, 1935, the town of Santa Claus, Indiana, was blanketed in a harsh winter storm as it welcomed its grandest attraction—the 22-foot-tall Santa Claus statue. This impressive monument, weighing approximately 40 tons, was the centerpiece of Carl Barrett’s ambitious Santa Claus Park, one of the first developments aimed at capitalizing on the town’s unique name.
Despite grand promises of a high-profile unveiling with dignitaries like President Roosevelt and the governors of Indiana and Kentucky, the ceremony was modest. Local school children had the honor of unveiling the statue, and the highest-ranking official present was the mayor of Evansville. Nonetheless, the event was a resounding success, drawing a crowd larger than the town had ever seen.
Artistic Design and Symbolism
The statue, designed by artist Ralph Seymour Fletcher and constructed at the Chicago Foundry, was initially billed as being made from solid granite. However, it was later revealed that the statue was actually constructed from 40 tons of concrete with a granite-like finish. Santa stands proudly on a five-pointed star, facing east towards Bethlehem, symbolizing his connection to the Christmas story.
Surrounding Santa is a 20-foot-wide Christmas star, adding to the festive allure. The pedestal of the statue features inscriptions of Santa’s proclamations to children, parents, and the universe, reinforcing his role as a universal symbol of joy and kindness.
A Colorful History
Carl Barrett, the visionary behind the statue, had a penchant for grandiose claims. He suggested that the statue might be unveiled by remote control and even spun a tale about a meteorite crater inspiring the town’s name change from Santa Fee to Santa Claus. In reality, the town's name change had different origins, and the “meteorite” was merely a hole in the ground.
Barrett also claimed that the statue was carved from Mount Airy granite, but cracks that appeared in the statue over time revealed its true composition: everyday concrete. Despite these embellishments, Barrett’s Santa Claus Park was intended to be a "children's dream paradise," and the statue quickly became a cherished symbol for the town.
The Santa Claus Museum and Village
In honor of the 90th anniversary, the Santa Claus Museum and Village, along with the Santa Claus Research Committee, is working to gather and preserve historical documents and artifacts related to the statue. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive and engaging history of this iconic landmark, celebrating its role in the town’s heritage and its continued significance.
Visit us to explore the rich history of the Santa Claus statue and learn more about how this monumental figure has become an enduring symbol of Christmas spirit and community pride.
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For more information and updates about the 90th anniversary celebrations, visit santaclausmuseum.org or contact the Santaclausmuseum@santaclausmuseum.org