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Carter House to showcase Santa Collection weekend before Thanksgiving

Father Christmas in his flowing robes will represent England in the Emmett Whalen Santa Claus collection at the Carter House Museum the weekend before Thanksgiving.

By Charles Schiller
November 19, 2008

A private collection of unique and beautiful Santa Claus figurines will be displayed at the Carter House Museum the weekend before Thanksgiving during the museum's annual Friday night "preview party" from 5-7 p.m. on November 21 and afternoon open houses from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, November 22 and 23. The 60-plus Santas represent 30 years of collecting by Elkader resident Emmett Whalen and his wife Lee.

"It started on a holiday shopping trip in Madison," Emmett remembered. "I saw a figure of Santa holding a Christmas tree, I bought it, and I was on my way as a collector. From then on, I averaged two a year. Some I received as gifts, but most I searched out myself, often at the Christmas shop at the Amanas."

The Whalens are both of Irish descent and have visited Ireland several times, so it's no surprise that there are several Irish Santas in the group, even one bearing the message "Erin go braugh" (Ireland forever).

There's a Russian Santa, and recently a black Santa joined the collection. The Santas are an annual treat for the couple's 22 grandchildren who look for favorites when they arrive during the holidays. "Grandpa," one tiny grandson asked one year, "where's the doctor Santa?" Oops! Still in his box. Emmett promptly got him out and made the grandson happy. The children also like the Hawkeye Santas.

Does Emmett have a favorite himself? Yes, it's the Lladro Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus presented to him by Alan Johnson after 43 years on the board of Central State Bank. Those two figurines stay out all year in a place of honor and are too prized even to be loaned to the museum.

Everyone is welcome to attend any of the events at the Carter House. Friday night is primarily an adult party with wine, hors d'oeuvres, and music, while Saturday and Sunday afternoons are fine for all ages to enjoy treats, music, and holiday decorations.

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