Santa Claus Lane in Olean

The Evolution of Santa Claus Lane in Olean

BY BOB CLARK

OLEAN — It’s time again to fire up the lights for Santa Claus Lane in downtown Olean. This year’s edition shoves off at 6:30 p.m. Friday in downtown Olean.

The basic concept remains the same since 1929 — make downtown festive to increase shopping traffic and ignite the holiday spirit. But it has seen many changes since its inception in 1929.

Here’s a timeline of the event, and how it’s gone from evergreen arches to energy-efficient lights. 1929 — Hot on the heels of the great stock market crash in October, local business leaders sought a way to increase downtown shopping traffic as the nation headed into the Great Depression. The first Santa Claus Lane, directed by General Chairman Edward F. Devlin, placed evergreen arches across North Union and West State streets lit in red, white, and green lights. 1934 — Thanks to a resolution passed by the Olean City Council and the fundraising of the Olean Area Chamber of Commerce, permission was granted to C.W. Gabler Electric to erect ‘festoons’ over North Union and West State Streets. 1955 — Olean merchants chip in to make sure Santa can make his trip to Olean, and his arrival will be the official signal for the start of Olean’s holiday shopping season. 1956 — Several large balloons were a part of the parade. 1964 — A 12 by 14-foot cottage was constructed by Bradley’s Builders for Santa, hauled to Lincoln Park by R. J. Fitzmaurice Housemovers. 1966 — Organizers placed a big tree on the city building lot.

1969 — A tree sits in a permanent tree holder in the berm besides the city building. Santa arrives by dune buggy. 1970 — Fourteen garlands cost $5,000. A permanent planted tree in Lincoln Park will take the place of the cut live trees previously used. 1972 — Santa’s Cottage and decorations damaged beyond repair in the June flood. The year marked a 14-year hiatus as the city and local businesses could not afford to replace the cottage and lights. 1986 — The Olean Business Improvement Association raised $81,137 to bring back the downtown decorations including 20 custom garlands, a 15-foot-tall Santa and more. Olean businessman Louis Marra was credited as providing the impetus for the revival of Santa Claus Lane. Marra, who died in 1991, is the namesake of the chamber’s top award, the L.O.U.I.E. 2004 — After more than 30 years, Santa gets a new cottage thanks to Home Depot. BOCES helped decorate Lincoln Park, with Belmont students working on trees, Ellicottville students working on Santa and his sleigh, and Olean students constructing Santa’s train. 2005 — Duggan & Duggan General Contractor assisted GOACC with the relocation of Santa’s cottage to the South Street side of Lincoln Park. BOCES created two sets of candles to ‘light’ up the park. 2006 — John Caldwell of Portville created a Seasons Greeting sign that hangs on the City Building. Also, lights were added to War Veterans

Santa Claus Lane continued on page 5

ANDREE MCRAE

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services

Santa and Mrs. Claus come down North Union Street during the annual Santa Claus Lane Parade in 2019. FIle Photo