Santa is Coming to Town

November 27, 2023

Visitors to the Indiana Historical Society November through early January each year, have no choice but to get into the Christmas spirit. There are Christmas trees everywhere thanks to our wonderful Festival of Trees. Our library likes to add a little holiday flair to our case exhibits as well. This year, I decided to focus on jolly, old, Santa Claus.

There are so many iterations of Santa Claus across the world and even just within the United States. However, I selected the classic bearded, red-suited, gent that frequents many non-religious cards and decorations of the season. While doing a cursory search, I found that Claus gets around in a variety of manners according to how he has been photographed in Indiana alone.

Santa boards an Illinois Central engine to make it to his next destination, 1958
Bass Photo Co. Collection, IHS

Of course, the classic sleigh will always be his favorite, shown above in a 1949 parade float version (Martin Collection, IHS). However, Santa does not shy away from modern transportation. He can be seen traveling by planes, trains and automobiles.

Santa arrives at the airport via Eastern Air Lines, 1940, IHS, P0569

So, while you’re in the building admiring all that Festival of Trees has to offer, stop by our library (Tuesday-Saturday, 10-5) to see what other Santa imagery we’re sharing beyond those included here. Wishing you the best this holiday season.

Amy Vedra is the director of reference services. She is currently reading her way through the Great American Reads list.

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