Santa Claus can be found in all the usual places this time of year — at parties and shopping malls. Not many people would think to look for him in a railroad car.
Dozens of families with children found him there at the annual Santa in the Caboose event at Griffith Historical Park.
“My mom used to bring me here every year,” Tiffany Hartman of Merrillville said. “Now, I’m bringing my daughter. Griffith has the best events for families.”
Sponsored by the Griffith Historical Society, the caboose celebration has welcomed youngsters during the holidays for more than 30 years. It began with the goal of inviting families to participate in fun festivities close to home.
Pictures with Santa, taken by members of the Griffith High School yearbook staff, shopping for small toys and railroad memorabilia, enjoying hot chocolate and cookies, and shopping at the bake sale were among highlights on the two-day schedule.
Corey and Angie Peterson of Griffith brought their four children to take part in the festivities.
“This is truly a fun experience,” Angie Peterson said as her children lined up to pose with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. “It’s much more personalized than going to the mall.”
In addition to the caboose, two additional old train cars, donated to the Griffith Historical Society, are permanently stationed on the tracks behind the old Train Depot building on Broad Street.
The Pullman cars were used to transport American soldiers during the war. Last week, one served as the sales area and waiting room for those who wanted to see Santa.
The sales area offered holiday decorations, train whistles, puzzles and other train memorabilia. As Griffith Historical Society member JoAnne Jones manned the table, she commented on the longevity of the annual Santa in the Caboose event.
“So many people are fascinated with trains — adults as well as the kids,” she said. “They love to come out and see our cars and the nearby tracks. Everyone gets a kick out of this event.”
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Visitors were accompanied to the caboose by Girl Scout volunteers from Griffith Troop 10148.
This year’s jolly old couple was portrayed by Douglas Matthews of Hammond and Judy Young of Highland.
Although Matthews is new to his position, Young has appeared as Mrs. Claus for the past 10 years.
“I love doing this, I look forward to it every year,” she said, during a break. “Some of the same families come each year and I get to see their kids grow up. This gives them their own personalized experience. It’s awesome.”
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.