Christmas in July... and All Year Long in Albion
Honoring the Life and Legacy of Charles W. Howard
In Albion, New York, a charming village along the Erie Canal in Orleans County, Christmas isn’t just a season. It’s a spirit that lives in the community year-round. No one captured that spirit more completely than Charles W. Howard, Albion’s most beloved hometown figure and one of the most influential Santas the world has ever known.
A Santa Since Childhood
Howard’s journey began in 1905 when he first wore a Santa suit for a fourth-grade school play. That small moment turned into a lifelong calling. Years later, in 1937, after seeing far too many poorly dressed and unconvincing Santas in department stores, he decided children deserved better. That year, he opened the world’s first Santa Claus School, right in his hometown of Albion.
The very first class had just three students: a welder from New Jersey, his friend and a local neighbor. But word spread quickly. Howard taught that playing Santa wasn’t just about wearing the red suit and white beard. It required deep care and attention. He emphasized the importance of patience, empathy and kindness—qualities children instinctively looked for in Santa. Students were taught to speak softly, move gently and never make promises they couldn’t keep. When a child asked for something heartbreaking or out of reach, such as a parent returning home from prison, Howard encouraged Santas to respond with hope and compassion.
From Albion Roots to a National Legacy
Howard was born and raised in Albion, and he never lost his connection to the town. As a boy, he built wooden toys and small furniture. As a young man working at a local furniture store, he often dressed as Santa during the holidays. Children would gather at the shop window to watch him carve toys by hand. Those small, magical moments created lifelong memories for many families in the area.
In 1953, Howard brought his vision to life on a larger scale by opening Christmas Park on his farm just outside of town. This winter wonderland featured decorated barns, whimsical mechanical displays, a miniature train and live reindeer. It quickly became a beloved destination, welcoming tens of thousands of visitors each season.
One of those young visitors was Tom Valent, a boy from Salamanca, a small town about an hour south of Albion. Like many children, Tom was deeply moved by the magic Howard created. What he didn’t know then was that his future would become closely tied to Howard’s legacy.
A School Finds a New Home
After Howard passed away in 1966, the Santa Claus School continued for a short time under the guidance of Nate Doan, a well-known Santa from Michigan. In 1968, Doan relocated the school to Bay City. It was there that Tom Valent, now an adult and soon-to-be father, attended in 1975.
Over the years, Tom and his wife Holly became increasingly involved in the school. They shared Howard’s passion and were committed to preserving the heart of his teachings. In 1987, they reestablished the Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School in Midland, Michigan, where it continues to this day under their direction.
Though it’s no longer located in Albion, the school proudly carries Howard’s name and honors the values he stood for. Today, it is recognized as the longest continuously running Santa Claus School in the world, welcoming around 300 students each year. Those who attend are not only learning how to portray Santa, they are learning how to carry his spirit forward with warmth, generosity and authenticity.
The original schoolhouse in Albion still stands, now a private residence. While the building’s purpose has changed, the legacy born there continues through every student who chooses to follow in Howard’s footsteps.
The Santa of 34th Street
Between 1948 and 1965, Charles W. Howard appeared as the featured Santa Claus in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, during the early years it was broadcast on national television. His performance became a cherished part of the holiday tradition for families across the country.
Howard also consulted on the classic film Miracle on 34th Street, helping filmmakers bring an authentic version of Santa Claus to the screen. His influence on how Santa is portrayed, both in public events and on film, continues to shape the character to this day.
Albion Keeps the Spirit Alive
Although the Santa Claus School moved out of town, Albion has never forgotten the man who started it all. Today, his legacy is visible throughout the village in ways both big and small.
Natasha Wasuck, owner of Tinsel and the Lockstone in Albion, helped lead the mural project on the Lake Country Pennysaver building, which commemorates the village as the birthplace of the original Santa Claus School. The piece was painted by renowned street artist Justin Suarez, also known as Mr. Prvrt. Nearby in Waterman Park, a separate mural by local artist Stacey Kirby Steward shows Santa flying high over Albion’s rooftops, adding to the festive spirit of the village.
At Mount Albion Cemetery, visitors will find an interpretive panel that shares the story of Charles W. Howard, offering insight into the man behind the legend.
In 2023, a life-size bronze statue of Charles W. Howard as Santa Claus was installed in Albion’s Waterman Park. Created by sculptor Brian Porter, the statue was funded through more than $80,000 in community donations, raised by the Albion Betterment Committee. Its unveiling during the Albion Strawberry Festival Parade drew a large crowd and heartfelt celebration.
Even the roads carry his name. Route 31 through Albion has been officially renamed the Charles W. Howard Memorial Highway, and during the holiday season, festive banners bearing his name decorate Main Street.
More Than Santa
Charles W. Howard was never just a man in costume. He was a Sunday school teacher, a choir singer and someone who quietly helped others whenever he could. His understanding of Santa came from a place of deep compassion. For Howard, being Santa wasn’t about showmanship. It was about love, connection and making a difference in a child’s life.
Looking Ahead: The Santa House
Albion’s Christmas story isn’t finished. Plans are underway for a new Santa House in town, where families can gather and experience the magic of the holiday year-round. The space will serve as a tribute to Howard’s legacy and a place where his story can continue to inspire future generations.
A Lasting Legacy
Perhaps Howard’s greatest legacy is the fact that Santas all over the world continue to portray the role guided by the principles he lived by including gentleness, kindness, honesty and heart. Through them, the spirit of Christmas lives on.
And it all started in Albion.
