Charles W. Howard

Charles W. Howard. World Renowned Santa Claus (1896 - 1966). , Before he became Santa, Charles Howard was a farmer on the west side of Albion. He was an active member of the community and a pillar of the United Methodist Church. He loved to participate in the Orleans County Fair, and helped the community set many world records, including building a model of Niagara Falls with 10,000 gallons of sweet cider in 1928, baking an apple pie that was 12 feet wide in 1929, and making a 14 foot tall cake that weighed over 3.5 tons!, Charles Howard first played Santa in a school play in 4th grade. His mother, who worked at the Virgil Bogue Home for Dependent Children, most likely helped foster his love of children. This, and his jolly attitude, made him well suited for the role., By age 11, Charles proved to be extremely creative and began making toys for other kids. He continued his passion for toy making during World War I, opening a business and supporting the purchase of war bonds and toy sales using the sales slogan "Buy Liberty Bonds and Howard's Toys and make the Kaiser stop his noise"., "To play the part of Santa Claus is a privilege, not a job." , - Charles W. Howard, Before Charles Howard, there was no standard Santa suit. Charles decided to change that and strove for perfection in his design, which was one of his lasting achievements. He sent his outline to Elizabeth Babcock, a local seamstress, who made his suit. The suit was made out of bright red wool with white rabbit fur trim. Howard also designed a large belt and buckle with 8 points, which represented Santa's 8 reindeer. Howard wore this suit as the Macy's Day Parade Santa in New York City from 1948 to 1965., In 1937, Charles Howard opened his Santa Claus school. His first class had three students, and only one paid the $15 fee, but he didn't give up hope. Within 3 years, over 40 students were attending the one-week course. By 1954, students from as far as Australia attended. Here, Santas-In-Training were taught suit etiquette, child psychology, Christmas tree trimming, facts about the North Pole, and more. Howard was so highly regarded as a Santa Claus trainer that he was even asked to be a consultant on the movie Miracle on 34th Street (1947). The Santa school has since been gifted to others, and has moved to Michigan, proof that Charlie's legacy continues., In 1953, Charles Howard expanded his Santa Claus School by adding Christmas Park. It included attractions such as a miniature train ride, Santa's stable and sleigh, Santa's Wishing Well, and his Toy Shop. The park was a destination for families not only in Western New York, but all over the world. At its peak, Christmas Park attracted over 80,000 people a year, fulfilling Howard's dream of bringing Christmas joy to as many people as possible., "He errs who thinks Santa enters through the chimney... He enters through the heart." , - Charles W. Howard, (Captions):, Members of the 1929 Orleans County Agricultural Society and other local officials standing in Howard's 12-foot pie tin., - Town Journal (Magazine), December 1956 , What do you think would be written on the chalkboard for tomorrow's lesson?, Charles and children visiting the Wishing Well at Christmas Park. If you were at Santa's Wishing Well, what would you wish for?, - LIFE Magazine, 1961 , Albion dance instructor, Miss Joy Merkle, teaching Santas-In-Training how to be light on their feet at Christmas Park. The fireplace in the background is still in existence today., An annual report listing the attractions at Christmas Park, Charles Howard portrays Santa Claus in the Macy's Day Parade., Charles and his wife, Ruth, showing their Christmas spirit., The monument also marks the families of his relatives: Butler, Smith and Anderson., From where you stand, Charles Howard's memorial is atop the Terrace ahead, and lies East (left) of the family monument. , To get there, travel Eastward (left) up the road and circle around to the right, onto the Terrace, until you're directly above this sign.