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13849 Phipps Road

Albion, New York

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Inscription

“Santa Claus”

Charles W. Howard 1896 – 1966

In 1937 he established here a world famous Santa Claus School, the first of its kind & 1953 Christmas Park

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Santa Claus

Erected

Unknown

What was there

The family home of Charles W. Howard, who founded the world famous Santa School, as well as Christmas Park – a reindeer petting zoo, and very small amusement park which closed in the mid 1960s. Newly trained Santas were able to practice their skills at the park, which, at its peak, attracted 80,000 visitors per year, from around Western New York and the northeastern United States.

What is there now

The home still stands and is a private residence. Behind the home is what remains of Christmas Park.

More information

Submitted by

We would like to thank the following for helping us with this entry:

Kelly Lucero

Susan Macpherson – vintage photos

Ruby and Jim Foote – vintage movie