BETHLEHEM, Pa. – “This is the very first image of the modern-day Santa Claus that we know today,” said Jack Stanley, looking at a giant illustration that was drawn during the Civil War by illustrator Thomas Nast.
“He wanted to create an image that would kind of cheer people up during the holidays, and the soldiers,” Stanley added.
The image is part of the Civil War Roundtable of Eastern PA’s free December pop up museum at Bethlehem’s Main Street Woolworth building.
From an intricate officer’s desk, to an elaborate encampment, the hundreds of authentic artifacts include Bethlehem militia rifles, tent heaters, and local recruitment headlines.
Jack Stanley collected them all.
“We want to spark interest, just like the interest was sparked in myself. Maybe someday somebody will walk out of here and say, that was really neat. Let me learn more,” Stanley said.
It’s a history rarely seen, says Roundtable board member Ed Root.
“A world class setup here. You’d go to any park service Visitor Center, and I don’t think you would find something that would be superior to what Jack has done here,” Root said.
Stanley’s family fought for the Union. A sword owned by Capt. Johnathan Taylor, Bethlehem’s only officer Civil War casualty, is the prized possession.
“He was shot through the chest just before he was 21 years old. And he is our hero here in Bethlehem,” Stanley said.
The history can be viewed Friday through Sunday until Dec. 28.