SANTA CLAUS MUSEUM - ONE-OF-A-KIND TOUR

Santa Claus Museum

One-of-a-kind museum displays the spirit of Christmas, year-round.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMILY HENDERSON

Any kid can tell you where Santa Claus is from – The North Pole. But during his historical journeys over the years, the jolly Saint Nick has undoubtedly left his mark in Columbus, Texas. Known as the only Santa Claus Museum in the South, this one-of-a-kind stop originally was established by the Columbus Historic Preservation Trust in 1990 as a way to showcase Mary Elizabeth Youens Hopkins’ Santa Claus collection that she began in 1913 when she was six months old.

Today, there are almost 3,000 versions of Santa Claus on display. Some Santas are classic, some a little bizarre and a few even entertain with lights and music. Behind a clear enclosure stands a nearly life-size Santa who used to be displayed at Priesmeyer Department Store in Garwood. From toys to collectors’ figurines, Santas are depicted on various advertising signs, tree ornaments and even a classic Pez dispenser. A few elves and Mrs. Clauses can be found in the museum, as well. And no one can resist the big, red rubber button that blasts Christmas tunes when it’s pushed.

“It’s truly unique to Columbus,” said Billy Kahn, executive director of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce. “There are only two Santa Claus museums in the United States, with the other in Santa Claus, Indiana. This is the only one in the south and we’re proud to welcome people to see it, year-round.”

VOLUNTEERS MAKE THE MAGIC

Being a part of the magic of Christmas throughout the year is rewarding for all of the volunteers that devote their time and talent to the project that draws visitors from all over the US.

“I love the holidays,” said Charlotte Tilotta, a board member with CHPT. “I love family time, and anything related to decorating. I go all out! Soon after I got on the board in Columbus, I wanted to be a part of the Santa Claus Museum and I helped with the renovation. During that time, I touched almost every one of the Santas as we boxed them up and put them away. As I handled them, I wondered where they all came from and, knowing that they had been gifted to someone, I knew that these Santas were important enough to save all this

time. All of the Santas are so unique and special.” “Yes, each one of these Santas was special to someone in their life,” added Julie Prause, president of the CHPT. “We’re thrilled to share that with someone else.”

And sharing the joy of Santa Claus is what continues to keep the museum alive today.

“Watching the expressions on the children’s faces and hearing all of the ‘oohs and ahhs’ is wonderful and makes all the hard work worth it,” added Billy. ”Adults and children alike will point out their favorite Santa or comment on ones they’ve never seen before. I love the museum.”

HOPKINS COLLECTION

Launching the Santa Claus Museum, the Hopkins family donated Mrs. Hopkin’s entire collection of more than 2,500 pieces to CHPT, including Santas made from a variety of materials such as cast iron, China, basket weave, corn shucks, bottle glass, magazines, fabric, dough, and wood.

The Hopkins collection features Duncan Royal Santas from around the world, artwork by Norman Rockwell and Thomas Nast, as well as a complete collection of Haddon Sundblom Coca-Cola Santas. Also on display are Mrs. Hopkins’ personal needlepoint pieces, inspired by artwork and magazine covers she’d seen throughout her life.

ADDING TO THE COLLECTION

The original collection on display came from the Hopkins family. Other Santas were recently donated from additional local collectors, adding to the exhibit.”

“We’re still getting phone calls at the Chamber,” laughed Billy. “People had Santa Claus collections they wanted to donate, and I knew that Columbus’ museum needed to evolve. I took Mrs. Hopkin’s daughter, Mary Anne Pickens, to lunch and asked her how she would feel if we accepted other collections to add to her mother’s. She told me she thought that would be wonderful and it would make her mother so happy to know that the museum is expanding.”

With the family’s blessing, the museum moved forward, accepting a collection from Elaine and Merrill Luman in 2019, prompting the expansion of the Santa Claus Museum to include a second room.

The Luman collection consists of a large number of Lladró ceramic Santas as well as many Santas in sleighs, ready to deliver gifts to all of the good boys and girls across the globe. Also included are Santa socks, matchsticks, vintage celluloid, and mechanically-animated Santas. Russian nesting Santas and an Asian interpretation of Santa are highlights in their unique collection.

Neva Lou and Al Hubenak began collecting Santas in the late 1990s. Their enjoyable hobby quickly grew and after 20 years, the Hubenaks amassed a collection of more than 400 Santa figurines, dolls, artwork, and other collectibles. The Hubenaks donated their expansive collection to the Santa Claus Museum in 2019.

VISITING THE MUSEUM

For all Christmas lovers and those seeking the spirit of Santa Claus, this museum is a must-see destination and available for tours year-round. For more information about the museum or to schedule appointments, visit santamuseum.org or contact the Columbus Chamber of Commerce at 979-732-8385. The museum is open Fridays and Saturdays during the month of December leading up to Christmas, with Santa Claus himself on site most of those days. The Santa Claus Museum of Columbus, Texas is active on Facebook.