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In memory of Charles W. Howard
June 15, 1896 – May 1, 1966
Forty three years ago on May 1, 1966 one of the most unique personalities of Western New York State passed away.
Albion, New York native Charles W. Howard was truly an American Original. Most often known for his legendary portrayal of Santa Claus, his contributions cannot be captured in his Santa work alone. As a young boy he was given a coping saw. His woodworking skills eventually led him to handcrafted toys, and the Medina Toy Company. His community work in Western New York theatre, as well County and State fairs were extensive. His efforts to publicize the produce of local farmers included the world's largest apple pie, and a replica of Niagara Falls in Apple Juice at these fairs.
But it was his role as Santa that was for Charles, a lifestyle, rather than an occupation.
Charles's professional Santa career is that of legend. He was born in the house that he would live in his entire life. The small town boy never left Albion except to venture out to be Santa. Charles first played Santa as a boy in a classroom play. As an adult he found himself asked to help a friend out and play Santa in a store front window in downtown Albion. This experience urged Charles to perfect the role of Santa Claus as much as he could. In his early career Charles caught the train next to his farm in Albion and commuted to Rochester and then Buffalo to be Santa in department stores. It was about this time he started to develop the idea for a "school" for Santas. Charles's first school was in September of 1937.
Charles also appeared in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade from 1948 through 1965. Oddly, he never worked as Santa in the New York City flagship store. However, from 1948-1964, Charles flew from New York City to Kansas City, Missouri to be the Santa at the Macy's store there. In 1965, his last Christmas season, Charles worked at Nieman Marcus in Dallas, Texas.
In the late 1940's, Charles started to convert the three barns behind his house into what became "Christmas Park." This small amusement park became known all over the Northeastern United States. The park included a classroom and dressing rooms for the Santa Claus School, along with rides and attractions. Before using this facility, Charles taught his school in the living room of his house. (With some exceptions, the three session school held in Santa Claus, Indiana in 1938 and the school held at the St. George Hotel in 1948.)
Student from all over came to Albion. Stores like J.L. Hudson's in Detroit, Gimble's in Philadelphia, Foley's in Houston, and Dillard's in Little Rock all sent students and executives to the school. Charles was even asked to go to Australia in 1965 to teach a special school there.
He appeared on national television, in magazines and newspapers which included: What's My Line, To Tell the Truth, The Tonight Show, Time Magazine, and Saturday Evening Post among many others. He also worked as a consultant on the film, Miracle on 34th Street.
The contributions of Charles's work are imbedded in the Santa Claus world today. One of Charles's most memorable quotes sums it up... "To say there is no Santa Claus is the most erroneous statement in the world. Santa Claus is a thought that is passed from generation to generation. After time this thought takes on a human form. Maybe if all children and adults understand the symbolism of this thought we can actually attain Peace on Earth and good will to men everywhere."
Charles W. Howard passed away on May 1, 1966 at the age of 69.
Phillip L. Wenz
[Editor's Note: Additional information about Charles W. Howard may be found at:
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