Do you have a stack of old photos that not only deserve to be shared but also have stories waiting to be uncovered?
That’s exactly the situation for some recently acquired photographs at the Nemaha County Historical Society. These images capture the spirit of one or more Christmas parades, offering a glimpse into festive celebrations of the past. They also provide valuable clues that help date some of the historic buildings on Main Street in Seneca.
A search of the Seneca newspapers suggests that these pictures are from two parades. Both of these parades likely occurred in December 1937.
Below is a narrative about this parade:
A Christmas Celebration in Seneca: The Story of Santa Claus and His Reindeer Parade
In the bustling town of Seneca, Kansas, excitement filled the air as the local Chamber of Commerce announced a special event that would make this Christmas unforgettable. Santa Claus himself was coming to town, and this year, he wasn’t coming alone—he was bringing genuine, live reindeer.
For years, children and adults alike had seen pictures of reindeer, but how many had seen a real one, up close and in the flesh? This year, the Chamber of Commerce, led by A.J. Wempe, promised something truly special: Santa’s sleigh, pulled by real, moss-eating reindeer, was set to arrive on December 15th. The anticipation grew as the townspeople prepared for what was shaping up to be the most magical Christmas celebration yet.
The newspapers were abuzz with the news. Articles detailed how the reindeer, known scientifically as Rangifer tarandus of the family Cervidae, were more than just a curiosity—they were indispensable to the Laplanders of Northern Europe, used for everything from transportation to dairy production. But to the children of Seneca, these reindeer were simply Santa’s helpers, the mystical creatures who pulled his sleigh from the North Pole to deliver presents around the world.
Despite some skepticism and rumors that the reindeer might not be real, the town’s spirit remained unbroken. Old Eagle Eye, the Courier-Tribune’s ace reporter, was quick to debunk any doubts, confirming that the reindeer were indeed genuine and not mere stuffed animals. The city’s preparations continued in earnest, with new strings of lights illuminating Main Street, creating a festive atmosphere that would last well into the New Year.
On the appointed day, the town was in full celebration mode. Schools were encouraged to let out early so children could witness the grand arrival of Santa Claus, his reindeer, and a host of other characters, including Little Red Riding Hood, Laffo the clown, and even Popeye and Jack Frost. Thousands of townsfolk gathered, their faces filled with wonder as Santa, with his reindeer in tow, made his grand entrance.
The success of the event led to another surprise announcement: Santa would return the following Saturday, December 18th, for an encore performance. This time, he was bringing a special guest—Prince Ali Buddha of Afghanistan, an Oriental mystic known for his enchanting magic tricks and puppet shows. The town buzzed with excitement at the thought of another magical day, filled with performances, carols sung by local students, and gifts from Santa himself.
Behind the scenes, much credit was due to the efforts of the Boy Scouts, CCC boys, and other local volunteers who helped manage the large crowds and assist with the event logistics. Their contribution was a testament to the community’s spirit of cooperation and goodwill.
As the days ticked down to Christmas, Seneca was alive with joy and anticipation. The town had come together to create a magical experience that would be remembered for years to come. Santa’s visit, complete with real reindeer and a cast of colorful characters, was more than just a parade—it was a celebration of the season, of community, and of the magic that Christmas brings to young and old alike.
In the end, the 1938 Christmas season in Seneca was a resounding success, filled with laughter, joy, and a little bit of magic, reminding everyone of the wonder and spirit of the holiday season.
Below is the story of the parades as told by the newspaper articles:
Jingle Bells—December 15th
C. of C. Announces Santa Has Genuine Reindeer.
Boys and girls and grown-ups, too! Betcha never saw a real reindeer!
All these years you have seen pictures of reindeer, but what’s a picture compared to the real flesh and blood kind like the Esquimaux use?
Santa Claus, it appears from an announcement by the Chamber of Commerce, has decided to quit foolin’. When he comes to Seneca December 15th he actually will be driving reindeer and there can’t be any doubt about it.
Already a Chamber of Commerce committee, headed by A.J. Wempe, has made arrangements with the Seneca city council for lighting. Christmas, it appears, comes earlier and earlier each year. Some day we are going to save time and hold both holidays on the Fourth of July.
It is no great trick to induce Santa Claus to visit a town. He shows up each year in December in any number of places. But it was some feat to get Santa Claus to promise to bring real reindeer. Why, a reindeer just can’t eat any old thing. He has to have reindeer moss. Neither can he be brought from the polar regions here in one jump. He has to be moved south gradually, so he can get used to the heat. For that reason, Santa Claus starts in moving him south by degrees. In fact, he maintains stables along the way. It’s quite a story. We’ll see if we can find out more about it.Courier Tribune 15 Nov 1937, page 1
Genus Rangifer; Family Cervidae
But To You, Boys and Girls, Reindeer Coming.
All we know about reindeer is what we find in the encyclopedia. The encyclopedia says the reindeer is of the genus Rangifer, family Cervidae. But who cares about what scientific men call them? To us they are just plain reindeer and they are coming to Seneca as part of a pre-Christmas show by Santa Claus all day December 15.
But we should know something about what reindeer are good for in addition to hauling Santa Claus from pole to pole.
The reindeer, sometimes called caribou, ranges from Maine and New Brunswick to the north of Europe where the Laplanders use it extensively both as a pack and draft animal. In fact, the reindeer is so valuable to the Laplander, it takes the place of horses, sheep, and oxen. While a reindeer is hardly more than three feet high, he has great strength and endurance. It has even been known to haul a sledge as much as 50 miles in one day. Dunder and Blitzen, coming to Seneca Dec. 15, must be fully that good or Santa Claus never would get here.
The Laplanders milk their reindeer and make cheese. The flesh of the animal supplies them with meat; the skins are used for clothing, tents, and bedding.
Santa Claus will not confine his exhibit to reindeer. In fact, his advance agent says there will be a regular carnival of fun at Santa’s own cabin.Courier Tribune 6 Dec 1937
STREET AGLOW IN YULETIDE
THE REINDEER ARE READY
Why, Virginia, What Ever Made You Think the Merchants Would Deceive You?
The same skeptics who told Virginia things which made her ask about the genuineness of Santa Claus are now putting ideas into the child’s head about the flesh and blood reindeer, hired to haul Santa Claus here next Wednesday, December 15.
Now once again, Virginia, and older persons too, Santa Claus is bringing living, breathing moss-eating reindeer here. Only possible exception could be some calamitous happening to the reindeer and who… wants to borrow trouble in the Christmas season?
The Courier-Tribune sent its ace reporter, Old Eagle Eye, to make an investigation of the rumors that the reindeer are only stuffed animals, made of paper mache or something of the sort. Old Eagle Eye made quick work of his job. He was back at the office in 15 minutes. The best edition that the persons who are telling Virginia the reindeer are not real, who are stealing some of the new light bulbs from the Christmas trees which make Main Street a thing of beauty and a joy till New Year’s.
Of course, right-thinking Christmas-spirited people would never do such a thing. The city council provided the new strings of lights and gave Main Street the finest kind of cooperation in preparation for Santa Claus. If sneaky bulb thieves steal the lights and persist in telling Virginia the reindeer are not real, who knows, the council may just simply stop having Christmas here—or then again the City Marshal may have a boarder for his cute little jail cell in the city hall basement.
Everybody concedes Main Street never looked nicer than it does this Christmas. The Christmas trees are much more effective because there is an absence of unlighted trees. The lights are so connected that one dead or stolen bulb will not affect the others.
The Christmas committee has extended an invitation for the schools to close next Wednesday or at least part of the day so that the children will not miss Santa Claus and his reindeer, Little Red Riding Hood and her chariot, Laffo, the funny clown and his trick mule, the Indian chief and his elk, the three wise men and the camel, Popeye, Jack Frost, and so forth. Schools should arrange so the students can be in Seneca some time between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., a member of the committee suggests. It’s thought a number of schools will close for the afternoon.
Courier Tribune 9 Dec 1937, page 1
SANTA CLAUS IS TO REPEAT
COMES AGAIN THE 18TH
This Time He Brings an Entertainer, Prince Buddha of Afghanistan.
Old Santa Claus has announced he will play a return engagement in Seneca next Saturday. Why, that’s more than anybody expected! What a break for the children, what a break!
Not only is Santa Claus giving the boys and girls good measure, he is throwing in extras. A.J. Wempe, resident engineer for Santa Claus, has just learned that instead of reindeer next Saturday, Santa will have a pal. And what a pal!
Santa has promised to bring no less a person than Prince Ali Buddha of Afghanistan. Prince Buddha is scheduled to appear on the stage of the city hall auditorium promptly at two o’clock p.m. The doors will open at 1:30. All children who have not yet reached their 12th birthday are welcome.
Prince Buddha is an Oriental mystic. He is the kind of person who can pull rabbits out of hats and sword swallowing is just pie for the Prince.
The Prince also has a side line. It is a modernized version of Punch & Judy. It would be too much to expect Buddha to bring Charlie McCarthy, but it’s a cinch Charlie McCarthy is not the only puppet in the show business. There are just as good puppets in the wood as have ever been carved.
During the wait for Prince Buddha, Mr. Wempe has asked Miss Whittlesey to have her high school young people sing Christmas carols. Prince Buddha will spend 30 to 40 minutes doing his stuff and then Santa Claus will get right down to the real business of the afternoon, the presentation of a personal gift to each boy and girl in the room. Last year more than 4000 similar gifts were made on two Saturdays.
It is confidently expected the city hall will be jammed to the guards. For this reason, Mr. Wempe has arranged with Chief Charlie Rucker to have firemen at the hall to see that no harm comes to anyone. Assisting also will be Seneca Boy Scouts who will help Santa Claus in distributing his gifts. The Happy Homes Helping Hands 4-H club is being used to prepare Santa’s presents in shape for bestowal.
So the 1938 Christmas season approaches its climax on Main street. Recognizing the hurry and haste of the last week before Christmas, it was announced at a meeting of Chamber of Commerce members Tuesday noon that the stores will be opening each evening, beginning Saturday.Courier Tribune, 16 Dec 1937, page 1
MyHeritage was used to clorize and enhance the photos. ChatGPT was used to transcribe the newspaper articles and to create the narrative from those newspaper articles.