• Several additional Bluffton
Santa photos below -
Historians are generally quiet about actual Santa Claus sighting in Bluffton.

Credible sightings are as arguable as what the cat saw when it crossed the desert. (see footnote)

The following evidence is for viewer consideration.

• A Bluffton postcard postmarked Dec. 22, 1905, by an unknown photographer. The post card reveals someone riding a blimp-like object. In a stretch, it could be a sleigh. Or, it could be Santa Claus in a blimp and the sleigh is the myth. The post card’s message reads “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.”

• An early 1900s photo of the St. John’s Reformed Church Christmas sanctuary (U.C.C. today). The photo shows two Christmas trees and a fireplace. This is earliest known religious-secular evidence in Bluffton of the acceptance of the saint of Christmas.

• Paul Diller’s photo taken in the early 1950s of Lazarus Basinger. Every school-age kid in town knew he was Santa Claus.

• Earliest actual photo of Santa in Bluffton, although some believe it to be Alan McClure dressed as Santa. He is carrying his bag to the stage where he would soon greet Bluffton’s youngsters. The Bluffton Business Men’s Association brought him to town.

• Rudolph Lives Here – photo in early 1950s of Christmas lawn display, corner of Lawn and Elm, in reference to Rudi Steiner’s residence.

• Mr. and Mrs. Claus riding the 1923 Bluffton Studebaker fire truck. Some believe that Bill and Brenda Gaines were Photoshoped into this photo.

Additional evidence  - oral history:

• Andy Armstrong, elementary teacher - at one time owned more Santa Claus ties than anyone in Bluffton. The exception was Tim Closson, elementary principal. Legend has it that Mr. Armstrong allowed students, who excelled in spelling quizzes, to clip the tie-of-the-day with scissors as a reward of good spelling. This tradition took its toll over the years. Now, Teacher Anderson has the largest collection of trimmed Santa Claus ties in Bluffton.

• A retired dentist on South Main Street – is said to have dressed in a Santa suit on many Christmas eves to the delight of his children. However, his only appearance was on the rooftop of the family home. How he pulled this off is not clear.

Footnote:
Q: What did the cat see when it crossed the desert?
A: Sandy Claws

PHOTOS:
• 1905 Santa riding blimp post card cover
• 1905 post card address
• Lazarus Basinger - Bluffton's first Santa Claus
• Bluffton Business Men's Association Santa from early 1950s
• St. John's Reformed Church sanctuary early 1900
• Rudolph's play-house, 1950
• Mr. and Mrs. Santa on 1923 Bluffton fire truck