RICHARD MAHR GmbH
Handcrafted Nativity Collectibles
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Christmas, Easter and Halloween Articles
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Models of Indians, Cowboys, Knights and Animals
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Accessories made of Wood and Fa bric
Today every single Maro/in figure receives as much artisan attention as it did in the past. The Thuringian crafts people are happy that the company never refrained from it's original techniques established by Richard Mahr.
Requests for catalogues, product information and prices to:
Richard Mahr GmbH * RaeumstraBe 35 * D-96523 Steinach * Germany
Phone: 01149 36762 32310 * Fax: 01149 36762 32114 * www.nativity.de
FRIENDSOFTHECRECBE
Minutes of Exploratory Meeting
Saturday, December 4, 1999
Christian Education Building, Central Moravian Church, 40 West Church Street, Bethlehem, PA
Present: Rita and Bud Bocher, Wynnewood, PA
M. Jay Bullock. Columbia, MD
Frederick Cole, Emmaus, PA
Julie and David Colflesh, Folsom, PA
Karl Fluck, Bethlehem, PA
Mary and Frank Herzel, Harrisburg, PA
Roy Ledbetter, St. Louis, MO
Rev. Carol Reifinger, Bethlehem, PA
Brother Bob Reinke, Hoboken, NJ
Rev. Johann G. Roten, Dayton, OH
Mike Whalen, Clinton Township, MI
Marjorie Yefchak. Dayton, OH
The meeting was called to order at 10 a.m. by Rita Bocher, publisher of the Creche Herald newsletter who welcomed the participants and offered an opening agenda. Rita thanked Fred Cole for his efforts in providing the meeting place for this first exploratory session and for his hospitality. On behalf of the Creehe Herald, she presented him with a gift of the sterling silver ornament of the Creche Herald logo.
Rev. Carol Reifinger of the Central Moravian Church offered an opening prayer.
The group, led by Fred Cole, then temporarily adjourned to view Central Moravian's putz. Fred is the coordinating and technical force behind the elaborate putz which includes music and narration
Upon returning to the conference room, each person introduced him or herself. Roy also read a letter of greeting from the Austrian Society of the Friends of the Creche. Participants were given small mementoes of Moravian stars made by Rev. Reifinger and wooden tree ornaments from Holy Land olivewood presented by Rita on behalf of the Creche Herald.
Roy Ledbetter accepted the role of temporary chairperson. Mary Herzel agreed to take minutes.
As the first issue, participants discussed the purposes and objectives of the society, and whether it indeed should be organized. The question was discussed at some length, while Fr. Roten noted that the mission might well change over the years. Finally, the participants decided that the society would go forward and accepted the following objectives offered by James Govan of Arlington, Virginia, who could not be present.
1. To promote greater appreciation of the tradition of the creche
2. To increase knowledge of the history of the creche tradition and how it developed and is observed in different cultures.
3. To stimulate artists/artisans to create creches through such means as encouraging creche exhibits and publicizing the work of artists/artisans
4. To serve as a source of information about creches, including history, exhibitions, museums, and how/where to acquire them
5. To establish relationships with creche associations in other countries in order to obtain and exchange information about creches.
The name of the society is to be Friends of the Creche. Earlier, a suggestion to limit the name to Friends of the Creche USA failed for lack of a second to the motion.
The participants then discussed the means of communicating among members. It was unanimously decided that the Creche Herald newsletter would serve as the publication of the society as it was already in operation.
To help plan the next steps, including future meetings, it was decided to create a steering committee of all those who wished to volunteer. The steering committee includes Jay Bullock, Fred Cole, Julie Colflesh, Roy Ledbetter, Mike Whalen (alternate), Karl Fluck, Brother Bob Reinke, Mary Herzel, and Rita Bocher. It was decided to ask Jim Govan to be chair of the steering committee. Since the meeting, Jim has agreed to accept the chair.
The steering committee will meet at the University of Dayton in August 2000. That was considered appropriate as Fr. Roten graciously offered the possibility of facilities for a general membership two-day meeting/convention in the year 2001.
The society decided that membership dues would be $25 per year per household. That fee would include the $12 to be given over to the Creche Herald for its publication . The balance of $13 would go to the meeting planning, mailings, special events at the convention and other needs required. The society year starts January 2000.
Rita Bocher was appointed temporary treasurer. She will keep separate accounts for Creche Herald and Friends of the Creche. The society as of this time has funds of$113.
Subscribers to the Creche Herald newsletter would not be required to join the Friends of the Creche society.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:20 p.m. and the group adjourned for lunch at the Hotel Bethlehem.
Respectfully submitted, Mary Herzel, temporary secretary
FRIENDS OF THE CRECHE ORGANIZED
Meeting in historic Central Moravian Church in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania on December 4, 1999, fifteen collectors and other interested individuals from six states enthusiastically voted to organize a creche society to represent the United States and Canada which would be called Friends of the Creche. The Society plans to hold its first national convention in 2001.
C H R S T M A S
J Go,~aert \n l ll\ 1 i1111c ot'Chiut-cn
Madonna and Child by Netherlandish artist, Jan Gossaert, is on the Year 2000 U.S. religious Christmas stamp Gossaert, also known as Mabuse for his birthplace of Maubeuge, now in northern France, lived from c. 1478 to 1532. He is known for his love of flamboyant detail. This painting is in The Art Institute of Chicago.
omER NATMTY SOURCES TO TRY:
P.S., 3034 Colonial Way, Ste . 23, San Jose, CA 951284308 Tel: 888-595-1045; fax : 650-355-1627 . Hand carved Nativities, specialties, from Holy Land olivewood.
Hestia, 13 Hawkes St., Marblehead, MA 01945. Tel : 800575-1262 . Authentic sculptures in bonded marble with fabrics. New this year: Elizabeth with son, John the Baptist.
Bastelstube, Christine Kolb, Heimstr . 25, D-63743 Aschaffenburg, Germany Email: BASTELSTUBE@tonline.de Handcrafted authentic Bavarian style Nativity scenes. Made to order
Angelic Creations, Nancy Maier, 1127 Emerald Ave., Lansdale, PA 19446. Tel: 215-855-0139. Elaborate sculpted and fabric dressed angels for Nativity or decor.
Creche Herald was designated the official newsletter of the Society, although it was noted that subscribers to Creche Herald did not also have to join Friends of the Creche. Those with a Creche Herald Spring renewal date will see an additional option on their notice for joining the Friends of the Creche.
For those whose renewals are due later this year and who would like to join the Society, please wait and join at Creche Herald renewal time . Remember, there is no requirement that you join Friends of the Creche in order to continue your Creche Herald subscription
A steering committee, chaired by James Govan of Arlington, Virginia, will get together at the University of Dayton in August 2000 to plan the two-day national convention, the first of its kind in the United States. Anyone wishing to participate in the steering committee's planning discussions in August should contact Govan. He can be reached at JimGovan@aol.com or by writing to him in care of Creche Herald, 117 Crosshill Road, Wynnewood, PA 19096-3511.
Minutes of the Bethlehem organizational meeting, as amended, are found on the preceding page .
Wood cut crechefrom local craft shaw. Collection ofMichael Whalen, Clinton Township, Michigan
HIGHLIGHT ON THE INFANT OF KRUMBAD
In October 1999, Creche Herald received this note:
Because I also collect M.I. Hummel figurines, my eye caught the reference to the "fufant of Krumbach" mentioned in the Fall 1999 article by Mary Herzel ("Task ofLove in First U.S Catholic Church"). The correct title is "Infant ofK.rumbad. " I have two of the original figures which have wire halos. Mark Gilligan, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Cr eche Herald requested a clarification from the Goebel Company for the many M.I. Hummel collectors among our readers Goebel 's reply was so interesting, we wanted to share it with all ofyou.
W Goebel Porzellanfabrik in Roedental, Germany, has been creating figurines inspired by the artwork of Franciscan Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel for more than 60 years. During her lifetime, Sister reviewed each figurine inspired by her creative vision Today, figurines are sculpted by a Master Sculptor and then approved by the Artistic Board of the Convent of Siessen (to which Sister Hummel belonged).
Each authentic M.I Hummel figurine created by Goebel is given a Hum or mold number for identification and cataloguing purposes. The Hum number is consistent throughout the world and is incised on the underside of the base of each figurine. Figurines are also given a name, although these names may vary
The M.I. Hummel figurine Hum 78, depicting the infant Jesus, was named Christkind in Europe and has never had any other name Literally translated from German, Christkind means Christ Child. In North America, the figurine was first named Infant of Krumbad
The name, Infant of Krumbad, derives from the role of the Sanatorium ofKrumbad in Sister Maria Innocentia's life. A convalescent facility, it was located in Krumbach some 60 miles away from Sister's convent at Siessen. Originally called Krumbad, the town's name was changed to Krumbach, but the Sanatorium kept its original name.
Beginning in 1937, Sister had several periods of convalescence at the Sanitorium for her tuberculosis. In gratitude for the many kindnesses shown her, she decided to send a gift to the Mother Superior there.
One of the works in production at the time at the Goebel factory was Christkind (Hum 78). Sister requested a number of these figures as personal gifts. As the factory could not produce as many as she required, plaster figurines were created for her instead The sometimes still-wet figurines were given to Sister who then hand-painted the pieces and sent them to friends and institutions as gifts.
One such figurine was given to the Sanatorium of Krumbad . Moved, the sisters of Krumbad treated the special gift ~th great reverence. That legacy gave birth to
the name, Infant of Krumbad. Because the story was little known in North America, in 1985, Goebel changed the name to Blessed Child, a title that remains.
The original Hum 78 figure was sculpted in 1937 by Master Sculptor Erich Lautensack.
WEBSITES TO EXPLORE
Websites sometimes are easily located; sometimes not. Sometimes another search engine might be needed. For those with the time and inclination, tty searching words like "presepe," "creche," "Nativity," "cribs," "Christmas " Other sites of interest are the following:
www.nativity.de (Marolin Nativities & collectibles) www.Roman.com (Fontanini Nativities & giftware) www bronners.com (Bronner' s Christmas Wonderland) www.gwi.net/~santon ( Santons de France) www .umich.edu/~akc/creche (Ann Arbor display) www.udayton edu/mary/gallery/creches (University of Dayton collection.)
www.designplace.com/noroom/docs (Nativities to help the homeless.)
www .campnet.it/presepe/amicpre.htm Italian Friends ofthe Crib
www.siteswaldonet.mt/*camill/ (Joe Camilleri, Maltese crib maker)
www.crecheandcross.com (T. Sam Parrish's site of stories and Christmas ideas.)
www.aleluya2000.cjb.net (International convention) http//start.at/Christmas.Creche (Links to lots of sites) http://members theglobe.com (Bill Egan's creche site.)
M I. Hummel figure, Blessed Child.
MAKING CRECHE ACCESSORIES IS EASY
by Bil/Egan
One place to begin adding to your Nativity exhibit is the area in and around the stable or cave. A stable would have tools, a fenced area, and a water supply.
Before you begin, think about the sizes of your figures and make your accessories accordingly.
Making fences is fairly easy. You can use twigs from bushes in your yard, popsicle sticks, or balsa wood from a craft or hobby shop. Make sure the sticks are not too neat. Hack at them with a craft knife and blotch them with dark browns and grays Stick them together with Elmer's wood glue or a hotglue gun. Below are a few fence designs.
CRECHE HERALD NEWSMAKERS
The collection of James and Emilia Govan, Arlington, VA, made front page in the Arlington Catholic Herald. Now numbering about 250 sets, Govan' s collection reflects Jim's extensive travels around the world.
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Rev. Charles Hull, Codorus, PA, had an article in the York (PA) Daily Record, dedicated to his 120 creches. Hull, who has been collecting for about ten years, displays his creches at Christ United Church of Christ in Codorus.
Louise Polsky Rancho Palos Verde, CA, and her 350 creches made the South Bay Weekly. Her collection started with a Portuguese Nativity scene and went from there.
Miriam Schylaske, Halifax, PA, who owns 550 creches, was interviewed by the Patriot News in Harrisburg, PA. She makes some of her own creches
The exhibit for Navidad Heirloom Nativities, designed and marketed by Michael Stumpf, Doylestown, PA, received the First Place Award for the Best Presentation at the November 1999 Pennsylvania Holiday Show in Fort Washington, PA. Also, Navidad Heirloom Nativities and Stumpf were featured in the Bucks County Town and Country Living magazine, Winter 1999/00. Stumpf custom designs Nativities as well as designing for the Roman, Inc., Fontanini line. E-mail: msnavi@pil.net
A broom can be made from a twig and pine needles. Place the needles around the lower part of the twig, tie with heavy thread, and trim the needles evenly across the bottom.
An important item in a stable is rope. Make yours out of package twine. If you just have some white string, leave a few sips of coffee in your cup and drop the string in there to age it.
To make a round well, you will need small stones (either from a creek bed or model railroad supplies), a paper towel tube, and hydrocal from your local building supply place. Cut the end off the paper towel tube. Start the hydrocal mixture with about 5 tablespoons in a paper cup. Stir in enough water until the mixture is like thick pancake batter. Cover about a third of the tube at a time with hydrocal and set the stones in place. The hydrocal dries so fast that I throw away the cup and make a fresh batch as I need it. After the well is all dry, mist some grayish brown over it to make it look old and paint the inside a dark gray.
Bill Egan, renowned Christmas historian and writer, lives in Flagler Beach, Florida.
WE GO PUTZ/NG
by Mary Herzel
For the 250th anniversary of the Moravian Congregation of Lititz, PA, an old custom of putzing was revived. In an earlier time, in southeastern Pennsylvania, during the Christmas season, families and friends went putzing, or visiting homes with putzes. Of course, refreshments were always part of the visit.
My husband and I joined this year's celebration The first house we visited was built in 1762 . "Is this your home?" I asked the woman greeting us. "No," she replied, " it's the Lord's house who lent it to us for a short while."
In the comer of the living room stood a large putz. A miniature Nativity, with a light twinkling in the stable, rested on the top of the hill Shepherds and sheep grazed on moss on the hillside. Below were the Magi and camels.
"Constructingputzes in the home is a rare activity these days," explained our hostess, Peggy Jones. "Many hours go into the preparations." The Jones family had moved most of the living room furniture to one side, leaving an old organ and table to be the foundation for the cloth and paper covered "hillside "
" In the old days," explained Jones, "preparations began in September when families went to the woods to collect the natural materials like mosses, rocks and twigs Then in November, the actual preparations began. Furniture would be moved. Father and the oldest son would cover the stacked furniture with a heavy cloth, called rock cloth, for the mountains. Mother would begin coaching the youngest child in the narration of the Christmas story.
"On Christmas eve, our families would go to the church service, then everyone would hurry home to gather around the putz. The chosen child would recite the Christmas story as father would illuminate each scene with a candle."
From the Jones putz, we returned to contemporary times and the home of Arlene France. Here, angel figurines and Santa Clauses led the way to a lavish display of creches on tables. "I collect unique creches," she said "After all, the night of the birth of Jesus is the reason we celebrate Christmas."
It was a short walk from the France home to the Moravian Church with its tall landmark belfry. Small creches, brought in by church members, decorated the . window sills . One of the sets had a child's toys of a duck and a turtle. "It used to be the tradition," explained Pastor Derek French, "that children incorporated their toys in the putz. Now the custom has been transferred to the creche " Too soon, our putzing evening ended. We had shared the experience of a joyful holiday tradition, new to us, among newly found friends.
Mary H erzel, a fr~quent contributor, lives in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
DISCOVERING THE CRECHE IN SPAIN
One of two brief notes on Spain from Judith Davis
As part of my research for a two-week trip to southern Spain, I discovered a Belenes Museum in Alicante What a treat our visit turned out to be
Tucked away on a narrow street in the marina district of Casco Viejo is a relatively new Nativity museum It is sponsored by the Alicante Town Council and the Asociaci6n de Belenistas de Alicante (Alicante Nativity Makers Association).
The museum's display has three distinct parts. First, one enters a rather crowded area of glass cases containing popular folk art Nativities from around the world We were especially interested in the Japanese clay set, painted red, because in our eight years of business travel in Japan , we had not been able to find a Nativity to buy.
Next are creations by Spanish craftsmen, ranging from simple traditional figures to elaborate displays, such as the Gran Belen Popular Alicante of 1988 by Mayo de Lebrija, who used 18th century techniques in preparing the clay bodies and fabric clothing. The last section is a series of dioramas prepared by members of the Association, which, when we were there, portrayed the Easter story. As the Christmas season approaches, the exhibits are changed to display the story of the Nativity.
If you ever travel to the southeast comer of Spain, be sure to visit the Museo de Belenes in Alicante.
Judith Davis lives in El Cerrito, California
SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION
Annual rate: $12; Canada/Mexico: US $15
Other countries : US$16
Enclose check or money order payable to Creche Herald .
Mail to: Creche Herald, 117 Crosshill Road
Wynnewood, PA 19096-3511 U.S.A.
Be sure to include name, address, telephone, e-mail .
TRIP TO ANRI NATIVITIES AND PASSION PLAY
15-day trip set for September 7 to the lakes and mountains of Europe One day will be spent with the talented ANRI carvers in the South Tyrol of northern Italy
A second highlight is the September 20 th performance of the Passion Play in Oberammergau, Germany. Given only every ten years, the tradition of the play dates back to 1634 to fulfill a pledge to God for ending a deadly plague.
For more information: call Tallyho Travel at 914-5924316 or E-mail : Tallyho475@aol.com
FROM OUR READERS:
In the name of the Swiss Association of the Friends of the Creche, thank you for your newsletter and all the good information you give to advance the cause of the creche. With the greatest friendship, I remain, Renate Walther, Vice President and Secretary, Erlach, Switzerland
In one of your issues, you had a question about the beasts of the Magi. Camels traditionally have been shown because of Isaiah 60. * The earliest representation I know of any animals with the magi are three magi and two camels ona pre-Constantine sarcophagus. Horses appeared later, reflecting the mode of travel for long distances, especially as the magi became kings.
Ashley Beavers, D.D., Muskingum College, New Concord, Ohio
*Caravans ofcamels shallfill you, dromedan·esfromMidian and Ephah; All from Sheba shall come bearing gold and frankincense, and proclaiming the praises of the Lord.
Every five years, we exhibit nearly all of our 400 creches. In the past, we had 70 boxes ( l' x l' x 2") made by a local wood company. Some of the boxes were divided into two sections. We stained them brown and stacked them along walls of our home. Each box holds one or two Nativities.
When we needed more boxes, but lacked storage room in our garage, we had units made in two smaller sizes, which fit into the larger boxes at storage time. We have painted some of the boxes in vivid colors to better show off our African and Latin American creches.
Joanne C. Stevens, Huntington Beach, California
Infant Jesus is moved down one step at a time dun·ng the 28 days ofAdvent at St. Casimir's Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A nearly 5-ft free-standing staircase constructed by Henryk Jozefowski, the Advent steps recall a Lithuanian memory of the church's pastor, Rev. Peter Burkauskas. Father moves the Infant each day until a Christmas Eve ceremony when the Baby is placed in the manger by one of the church's school children.
Everything you've ever wanted for Christmas!
61 East Market Street* Corning, New York 14830
607-937-3715
xmasforevr@aol.com
Nativity creches, accessories from: Marolin; Puig; Santons Fouque. Cat, Northwinds whimsical Nativities. German papier mache angels, Advent calendars, quilted books, teddy bears from Nuremberg Toy Museum. Chocolate from Germany.
Boxes used for display of Joanne C. Stevens' collection, Huntington Beach, California. Note top boxes are divided.
By the Side of the Creche
by Charles I. Hull
Each year, come Christmas, we carefully unwrap Decorations, and lights, and Santa's red cap. Some figures are gathered and put on display
But wait, there's a difference, there's a manger and hay!
These aren't some cute bears or fierce animals bold! Instead there are lambs and donkeys, in a barnyard, behold! The figures are focused and gathered around
A tiny little baby who is wearing a crown.
A mother named Mary, and Joseph his dad, With shepherds and wise men, so richly clad. There are angels who sing, "Peace among all." They beckon the shepherds to answer their call. They gather round the manger in wonder and awe And focus their attention on the Infant so small. And who could that figure in the manger be?
It's the Savior of the world; it's Christ Jesus; it's He.
So I stand by the manger, just like the rest And promise to Christ Jesus to give of my best.
I know that this Jesus is the Savior of the world. I answer the call that the Angels herald. Will you stand by the creche in honor of this king? Will you give to him homage, and praise to him bring? We stand by the creche every day of our life, But where is our focus, come discord and strife?
Let's focus on Jesus, the one who was born, In Bethlehem town, on that first Christmas mom. For He is our Savior, the one who forgives
Our sins and our trespasses, in eternal life he lives. Let's stand by the creche and focus on Him, Then join with the angels to sing "Alleluia's" to Him. Rev. Charles I. Hull is a collector in Codorus, Pennsylvania.
historically accurate home. Baby Aram, shown in the upper level hammock, can be placed in his mother's anns. 1-800-729-7662 for name of dealer.
???? AND COMMENTS
Q. In paintings of the Nativity, was there any significance to the animals shown with the Magi?
A. At times, the animals, like their masters, signified the different continents. Thus, the dark Wise Man with his elephant denoted Africa, the white man with his horse conveyed Europe, and the Oriental type with his camel stood for Asia.
PAMPLONA, SPAIN: THE INTERNATIONAL CRECHE CONVENTION CITY
Pamplona, an ancient city whose origins date from Roman times, is the capital of the Province of Navarre, a region of Spain situated in the northeastern part of the country and bordering on one side with France. Up until the early part of the sixteenth century, Navarre was a separate kingdom, becoming part of the Crown of Castille in 1515, following the conquest of Pamplona. Despite their becoming part of Spain, the independent Navarrese kept their own regional law code and institutions for many years.
Pamplona today is a city of medium size, with nearly 200 thousand inhabitants. Its name comes from that of the Roman general Pompey, who encamped on a hill next to the river Arga in the winter of the years 75-74 B.C. This hill was possibly the site of a primitive Basque village, and it was from here that the city of Pamplona developed.
In the sixth century, the city became an Episcopal See, but later was divided into three unruly districts, reunited under Carlos III in 1423.
Like the city itself, Pamplona's traditions are centuries old. Its most famous festival is the running of the bulls, a unique event in which young men run in front of bulls released each morning in the narrow streets during the celebration of the feast of San Fermin, from July 6t11 to 14t11. Started in 1591, the running of the bulls was made famous by the novelist, Ernest Hemingway, who loved its excitement, and included the event in his book, The Sun Also Rises.
Due to its geographical location, Navarre was on the route of one of the most famous Christian pilgrimage destinations during the Middle Ages-the shrine of Santiago de Compostela. Pamplona's legacy is a wealth of magnificent Romanesque and Gothic architecture, such as the Cathedral and the Olite Castle, now a parador for visitors.
Navarrese cooking is justly famous, and vineyards surrounding Pamplona produce among the best wines in the world.
New from Roman, Inc. 's Fontanini Heirloom Nativities. A Bethlehem family live in their
CAN CRECHES BE DISPLAYED ON PUBLIC SITES?
It seemed that when the U.S. Supreme Court reversed the lower courts in Lynch v. Donnelly (1984), and held that the city of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, could include a Nativity in its annual Christmas display , the issue of public display of the creche would have been settled. The Nativity display had been located in a park owned by a nonprofit organization and located in the heart of the shopping district. Some residents and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) challenged the display
Initially, the Federal District Court held that the city's inclusion of the creche violated the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment requiring the separation of church and state, a ruling upheld by the U.S. Court of Appeals. When the case reached the Supreme Court, the justices, voting 5-4, said that inclusion of the creche in Pawtucket's display did not "create excessive entanglement between religion and government."
However, in 1989, the creche issue again reached the Supreme Court, this time in two cases concerning Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In one, the justices ruled 5-4 that the creche could not be displayed in the courthouse because "Government may celebrate Christmas in some manner and form, but not in a way that endorses Christian doctrine " The second case, decided 6-3, permitted the display of a menorah on the steps of the Pittsburgh City Hall next to a Christmas tree because "both Christmas and Chanukah are part of the same winter holiday season, which has attained a secular status in our society."
To this day, the issue remains not completely settled, with cases periodically surfacing. In 1996, a group of bipartisan lawmakers in Richmond, Virginia, denied the-then Governor, George Allen, from having a creche erected in the Capitol rotunda The Governor responded by having the creche erected in his reception room. In 1998, the City of St. Ann, Missouri, was required to remove a Nativity scene in front of its City Hall, which it had erected contrary to a previous court prohibition.
The most recent case involves the town of Somerset, Massachusetts. For about 40 years, the town's Christmas display at the town offices had a creche, holiday lights, a Christmas tree, and a plastic Santa. In November 1998, in a suit brought by the ACLU, the U.S. District Court found the display unconstitutional. After initially appealing, the town settled out of court, paying the ACLU an amount to reimburse that group's legal expenses. A modified display was erected in December 1999.
Sometimes communities get creative. At Christmas 1993, the ACLU asked Lititz, Pennsylvania, to remove a creche from the town square. The controversy raised the issue of who owned the triangular parcel of land known as Lititz Memorial Square Extensive research showed the plot was owned, not by the town, but by the Lititz Moravian Congregation At a meeting in August 1994, the Congregation voted to enter into a Declaration of Trust that allowed Lititz to maintain the square for the residents of the community, but also required the continuation of the annual Christmas Nativity scene
Researched by Frank B. Herzel, M.D ., Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Presepio created by Angela Trippi shown at the Exhibit of "] 00 Presepi, 1999/ 2000." Sale del Bramante, Piazza del Popolo, Roma, Italy
When you join the Fontanini Collectors' Club in 2000, your name will automatically be entered into a drawing to win a nine-day trip for two to Italy. To join, call 1-800-729-7662, ext. 1366 or visit our Web site at www.roman.com. Instant Membership Kits are available at participating Fontanini Dealers. Call 1-800-SAY-ROMAN, ext. 1190 to find a Fontanini Dealer in your area.
You can also detach and mail this form along with your payment to: The Fontanini Collectors' Club • 555 Lawrence Avenue • Roselle, IL 60172-1599 D Yes! Please enroll me in The Fontanini Collectors' Club and send my Symbol of Membership figure Temira
