Valatie in Columbia County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Valatie Santa Claus Club
First in the Nation
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, June 21, 2012
1. Valatie Santa Claus Club Marker
The Valatie Santa Claus Club was founded on Christmas Eve, 1946. Veterans of World War II pooled their discharge pay to bring gifts to every child in Valatie.
These Santas and their successors prove the truth of the statement made by the New York Sun to the young Virginia O’Hanlon, “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist . . . and he lives forever . . . to make glad the hearts of childhood.”
Dedicated by the Village of Valatie November 30, 1996
Mayor Patrick Grattan
Trustees
Margaret Cooper James Monahan
Dominick Lizzi Charles White II
[ Second Marker : ]
Virginia O’Hanlon Douglas
c. 1980 – 1971
The little girl of “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus” fame spent her final years in Valtie.
The editorial published in the New York Sun September 21, 1897 in response to her question regarding Santa’s existence, establishing Santa as we know him.
Erected 1996 by Village of Valatie.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Events. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1939.
Location. 42° 24.958′ N, 73° 40.575′ W. Marker
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Governor Martin H. Glynn Village Square (within shouting distance of this marker); Valatie World War I Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); Gov. Glynn Square (within shouting distance of this marker); G.W. Bulkley House (within shouting distance of this marker); First Presbyterian Church of Valatie (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); St. Luke’s Lutheran Church (about 600 feet away); Welcome to Valatie (approx. 0.2 miles away); U.S. Hotel (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Valatie.
Also see . . . Text of “Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus”. (Submitted on June 23, 2012, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, June 21, 2012
2. Second Marker
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, June 21, 2012
3. Valatie Santa Claus Markers
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, June 21, 2012
4. Markers on the Gov. Glynn Village Square
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 23, 2012, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 604 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 23, 2012, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
