Don’t panic when you look at these photos today because yes, the holidays are behind us.

But when Judy Weiner of Lansdale sent these photos to us last week, we just could not resist sharing them with all of you.

She has the photos dated as 1962.



Weiner noted:

“I came across these pictures from The Reporter from my mother’s belongings. She passed away in 1992 and my stepfather, Bill DiPietro, passed away last year and I found these among photos in a box.

“My mother is the one in the pictures with the guys who entered a contest to design Santa’s house. Maybe somebody will recognize themselves or a family member in there.”


In that photo, Daniel Kollar, designer of the new Santa Claus headquarters in Lansdale, is given 25 silver dollars for his work by H. Richard Eyer, vice president of the Lansdale Chamber of Commerce. Weiner’s mom, Mrs. Lou Lukens, was chairman of the contest for the Lansdale Art League.

Weiner continues:

“I especially liked the Mardi Gras Parade — check out that reindeer. Was that the first Mardi Gras Parade? If anybody knows the answer, let me know. Also, I’m curious to know Santa’s name.”



In that photo, you’ll ee that the parade was held at night. The caption noted that the crowd was estimated at 15,000.

In the other Santa photo, the jolly old man waves as he stands outside his headquarters, which were located on Main Street, opposite the end of Green Street.

Well, Judy, we can tell you that the 2009 Mardi Gras Parade was the 59th parade. As for Santa — maybe he just goes by St. Nick!