Gl'eclff
Cover Story:
PAMPLONA CONVENTION INSPIRES WITH THE BEAUTY OF ITS NATIVITIES
The figures and setting of our cover were but one of the many stunning hand crafted Nativity scenes we saw at the International Creche Convention in Pamplona, Spain, in October 2000 Here , we feature a setting conceptualized by Jose M" Rebe. As the basis of his scene, Sr. Rebe used Matthew 2 , where the Magi find Jesus in a house within about two years of his birth . Mary is envisioned in the role of a comforting mother as her toddler, Jesus , shyly tries to hide in the presence of the majestic visitors . Joseph lends quiet strength to the household .
Sr. Rebe spent about 240 hours constructing the village background for the figures . He said he has been making Nativity scenes from childhood, winning a competition prize when he was seven years old Since that time, he has been making one or more settings each year y tengo 76 (" and I am 76"). The figures, created at his direction, are by Pedro Ramirez A more complete view of a setting by Sr Rebe is shown elsewhere in this issue.
In Spain, the Nativity setting is called the Belen , referring to the town of Bethlehem The creators of the scenes are Belenistas
Some of our Pamplona attendees recorded their impressions of the convention :
Pamplona turned itself inside out to welcome us and provide the best kind of experience for us-some 413 people from more than 40 Nativity organizations around the world One morning we toured the special creche exhibits-an overwhelming experience. While we in the United States tend to be collectors, the Europeans are interested in the construction of elaborate settings, which are destroyed after the exhibit.
My most moving remembrance was the performance of the procession of the Three Wise Men at the town of Sanqiiesa, presented especially for the conventioneers . We were all part of a parade winding through the streets of the town As the representative of the Friends of the Creche, I had the privilege of a front row place in the procession. What a profound and exhilarating experience.
Judy Davis, El Cerrito, California.
I was stunned by the representation of beauty and art of an event 2000 years ago . Never had I seen so many interpretations ofNativity settings. Never had I participated in such an extraordinarily joyous church service. And what a wonderful procession through the narrow winding streets of Sangiiesa. All in all, it was a glorious convention.
Mary Herzel, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
One highlight of the convention was meeting the small
but enthusiastic contingent from the United States I feel many lasting friendships were formed Another pleasure was viewing the wonderful creches produced by the Belenistas from Spain. Finally, I was pleased that the convention brought out the religious aspect of producing and collecting creches Collecting creches is more than collecting art The crib maker ' s mission is to state that God is alive and still with us. Modem cribs must maintain the essence of the story
John Musser, Kenosha , Wisconsin
We thought the Pamplona experience was awesome . I think we particularly appreciated all the extra events that were held, such as the Christmas choral concert and the pageant. It was super to meet all the other Americans who are as interested in creches as we are The hosts were unbelievably hospitable .
Elaine Luman , Columbus, Texas
Not knowing exactly what to expect at the 16th International Crib Congress, Dick and I were pleasantl y surprised with what awaited us We were delighted with the opportunities to make new friends all with a similar interest and to participate in learning experiences . Not only did we learn about the crib associations abroad, but we were awed by the cribs made for the Congress by associations, groups of people and families in Pamplona and other parts of Spain.
Catherine Rehfeldt, Des Moines, Iowa
Crib builders, curators and Christmas lovers were all there . There was present a gentleman aged 97 , and I observed a group of young men in their early twenties What united us was our love of the creche and having a good time as well.
Exhibits literally were incredible . The attention to detail, perspective, and love of the art is impossible to describe. These labor intensive displays done yearly , and in this case, just for our meeting, take hours of designing and construction.
What also impressed me was everyone ' s genuine interest in what each society is doing, and the exchange of names and addresses so communication could continue
I would like to conclude with what one of the speakers said. The creche, he said, celebrates the dignity and universality of the human family no matter what religion you profess . Though creche builders and lovers, for the most part, follow the Christian tradition, the glow from the star of Bethlehem bathes all the world and people of good will that reside in it.
Michael Whalen, Clinton Township, Michigan
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FRIENDS OF THE CRECHE CONVENTION NOT TO BE MISSED
November 8-10 , 2001 , promises to be a three-day blockbuster offering inspiration, education, and fun The first convention of the newly formed Friends of the Creche will meet at the Eden Resort Inn and Conference Center in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the renowned Pennsylvania Dutch country
The subjects of the presentations are as fascinating as their presenters Some of the titles are: Unfolding a magical mystery: Biblical and non-Biblical threads in the art of the Nativity ; Nativity Show time: Planning and installing a successful exhibit ; Mastering the art of the Nativity: creating realism and mystery in your creche settings; The beauty ofethnic creches; High drama and design: the Neapolitan Presepio ; The Reason Why is the Reason Why.
Convention registration is $150 per person. You must be a member of Friends of the Creche to register, although members may pay for and bring guests. The registration fee includes morning refreshments , reception at the National Christmas Center, attendance at the musical extravaganza, The Miracle ofChristmas , bus transportation to both, pre-theater snacks, one lunch and one dinner.
For those who would like to sell at the Mini-mart, tables cost $15 each Nativity related items must be more than half the items offered at the Mini-mart tables . Participants also may exhibit creches, auction Nativity pieces, or offer such items on consignment sale . Send registration and mini-mart checks to Friends of the Creche, 117 Crosshill Road, Wynnewood, PA 19096-3 511.
Hotel registrations should be made directly with the Eden Resort Rates are $88 per room, with each room accommodating up to four persons A one-night's deposit or credit card information is required. Send to: Eden Resort Inn and Conference Center, 222 Eden Road, Rts 30 & 272, Lancaster, PA 17601. Tel: 800-528-1234 or 717-569-6444. Mention the Friends of the Creche convention to receive the special rate .
BE SURE TO GET IN YOUR CONVENTION AND HOTEL REGISTRATIONS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
More information is available by writing Friends of the Creche or by email : crecher@op.net. ACT NOW.
FROM OUR READERS
Enclosed is a picture of my favorite Nativity. It is from Jerusalem and made by the YWCA there. The Jerusalem sets were the brainchild of a YWCA worker who went to Jordan in the early 50s to work among the Palestinian refugees. She immediately saw that the people needed something to occupy their hands and minds, and something to bring in income .
It occurred to her that dolls dressed in the typical Middle East fashion would be of international interest. She sent out an appeal for wire to form the bodies and nylon hose to make the heads . There were plenty of bits of cotton material for clothing. Before long all sorts of latent talent emerged The individual dolls and creche sets became so popular that they have become quite a business for the YWCA of Jerusalem
The entire Nativity set consists of 12 pieces. They are, of course, indestructible, making them very popular in households where there are young children They are lightweight-an asset in these days of high postage costs and they pack nicely in a shoe box. Will be glad to hear from anyone interested
Edith Vuchnich, Toronto, Ontario, Canada evuchnich@globalserve.net
I would like to exchange ideas and photographs of my Nativity with other collectors . Please list my address and phone number.
Vincent Barresi, P.O. Box 68083 , Virginia Beach, VA 23471-8083. Tel: 757-497-1428
I have been collecting creches for 20 years and have about 225 sets from 50 countries . My husband, Lynn, and I are pastors in the United Methodist Church. We do extensive mission travel, and as we move from place to place, I keep an eye open for unique creches We've had some real adventures, like the time we both carried a box of ceramic creches on a plane in Bolivia. I had wrapped them in our dirty laundry-both to protect the fragile pieces and to get the laundry back home. When the customs agent opened the packages, he quickly closed them again, having spied the Holy Family amidst the shirts and socks.
The picture of the creche I have enclosed was purchased in Palomas, Mexico The shopkeeper said it comes from a village in the interior where there is only one telephone. When someone gets a phone call, the name is announced over the loudspeaker, and the person comes to the office with the community phone.
Kay DeMoss, Muskegon, Michigan
Edith Vuchnich's Nativity figures made at the Jerusalem , Israel, YWCA.
This Nativity from Palomas, Mexico, was purchased by Kay DeMoss on her travels through that country
CRECHE HERALD NEWSMAKERS
Lethiel C. Parson, Clinton, MA received wide coverage for the exhibit of his collection in Worcester, MA.
Carmen Ramos, Carlisle, PA, was featured in a twopage full-color spread in the nationwide magazine, Country Woman. Photos for the story were by Frank Herzel, Harrisburg, PA.
The collection of Emma Lincoln, Shaker Heights, OH, is the subject of a beautifully photographed hardcover book recently issued by Schiffer Publishing Company as part of its Collector Books series. The 142 page volume, by Leslie Pifia and Lorita Winfield, is called Nativity: Creches ofthe World. Available from the publisher: 4880 Lower Valley Road, Atglen, PA. Email: Schifferbk@aol.com.
Jeffrey Gueno, Lafayette, LA, a collector, and creator of porcelain miniatures of presepio accessories, was featured in a color spread in Art and Antiques.
Newhouse News Service wrote a syndicated story on Jim Govan, Arlington, VA, and the collection he started with his late wife, Emilia. The news traveled around the country appearing in newspapers in Texas, New Jersey, Minnesota, Nebraska, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and probably a host of other places that didn't tell us. Also included in the article was Matthew Powell, O.P., Providence, RI. ***
The Detroit Free Press, in its coverage of Nativity events, highlighted the collections of Rev. James Profota, Eastpoint, MI, and Michael Whalen, Clinton Township, MI. Whalen also received a front page full-color story in the Macomb Daily.
Holly Zenger, Midway, UT, and her collection received front page full-color spreads in the Wasatch County Courier and the Deseret News.
Gay Graeber, Oxford, MS, and her mother, Jewell Younger Graeber, Marks, MS, were featured in The Commercial Appeal (Memphis, TN) for their exhibit at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art. Gay is the curator of their 18th century Neapolitan presepio.
The collection of the Marian Library of the University of Dayton (OH) under the direction of Johann Roten, O.M., was cited in The Plain Dealer (OH) article on Nativities. Also mentioned was Friends of the Creche Eileen Canty, Marion, MA, and her collection were featured in a flurry of East Coast news stories: The Journal News (NY), The Sun Chronicle, (MA), twice in The Standard Times, (MA), Spotlight Magazine ofNJ, NY, and CT, and Catholic New York.
Rev. Timothy Goldrick, Assonet, MA, and his collection received print and television coverage. He appeared on Channel 10 in Providence, RI, and he was featured in Yankee Magazine, New Bedford Standard Times, and The Anchor (MA).
Kurt Holmgren, Arlington, VA, made the Washington Post, the local Channel 8 news, Fox network, and a talk show in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Diario de Navarra (Pamplona, Spain) interviewed Rita Bocher and Mary Her.zel at the International Creche Convention.
Lancaster County Magazine (PA) featured a story on Nativities and cited Friends of the Creche.
Kathy Wiebel, Orlando, FL, and her collection were featured in the Orlando Sentinel.
FOR SALE: FROM EAST AFRICA. I have a limited number of new nativity sets for sale on EBAY. The set of 12 figurines was handcarved from Kisii stone by Kenyan craftsmen. Each set is unique due to the nature of the stone and the nature of handcrafted items. Each set comprises the following: Joseph, Mary, Baby Jesus, angel, 3 Wise Men, 2 shepherds, a donkey, a sheep, and a calf.
These elegant sets will last forever and can be passed from generation to generation. I brought back 100 sets last year and have sold 35. They are hard to get and I've only seen one catalogue that sold them. Log on to the EBAY website and type the following into the 'search' box: "ELEGANT HANDCARVED AFRICAN STONE NATMTY''to see pictures and purchasing details. (Note: include the apostrophes when typing).
If you do not have access to a computer, you can call me at 860-873-9714 and ask for Pete. Thank you.
A clay one-piece plaque from Venezuela owned by Emma Lincoln. Shown in the book of her collection: Nativity: Creches of the World. (Schiffer Publishing, Ltd, 2000)
ARTIST RENEWS BEAUTY OF ANTIQUE FIGURES
by Mary Herzel
" I cannot remember a time when I was not involved with art," says June Kibbe, Honorary Curator at the Boston Public Library. That has taken her to restoring antique dolls, priceless crechefigures, and creating background sets for those antique creche figures.
It all began when her daughters were growing up . It was then that she became intrigued with antique dolls. Since most of them were in poor condition or had missing parts, she at first sent them to a doll hospital. But as she looked at the results , she said, "I can do better than that, and soon I was restoring and making costumes for them."
Among her collection of antique dolls, Kibbe had a few figures from an 18th century Neapolitan presepio. When she could not find any more , she gave the figures to her daughter who is also a collector.
•••
Kibbe credits her present large collection of Neapolitan figures that range from 811 to 14" to the search efforts of her friends, Dorothy and Jerome McGonagle, avid creche collectors. In 1992, the McGonagles purchased a large collection that included the Mistero - the Holy Family grouping From that collection, Kibbe started anew . It was in 1996 that Kibbe embarked on the ambitious and seemingly daunting project of constructing the Roman ruins that Neapolitan figures are wont to have. She had been doing restoration of a collection of 350 figures and scenes at the Boston Public Library, and had been appointed Honorary Curator Now she created a Roman ruin setting that she planned to show at home as well as at the library. In 1998 , the scene was exhibited at the Boston Public Library A year later, she was asked to expand the scene to 20 feet in width for the Museum of Doll Art in Bellevue, Washington.
Not only did Kibbe create the huge setting, she also had to come up with the third Magi who could not be found for purchase "I had done a great deal of sculpting for the Library ' s collection in a different medium, so this figure was a challenge. I also did a horse for him."
•••
The biggest difficulties to overcome are in the restoration of the antique figures . "Preserving a creche figure is the ultimate restoration, because of the detail that is packed into the minuscule heads. To change any of this is to alter the artist's original conception It involves working with a pin or a needle, and if the whole nose is gone , you need to study photos of other similar figures to recreate the family resemblance ."
Kibbe uses a variety of humble materials as the basis of her exquisite settings, including corrugated cardboard to make the fluted Roman columns. The fabrics for her figures are more precious. "I am fortunate to have collected
many antique costumes and trims, most of silk, while restoring dolls. The metallic trims are harder to find , as most people throw them out because of their unpleasant odor "
Since the Washington exhibit, Kibbe has created a coffered ceiling under the arch of the ruins and a facade of an inn at the end of the case Her attention presently is on the model of an elephant that will weigh about 20 pounds when completed
" I have eight creches, but my favorite is the l 8tli century Neapolitan one. These are real works of art They ' re portraits of people who lived in the village ," she notes. *****
Mary Herzel, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, is a frequent contributor
Amidst the Roman ruins created by June Kibbe for her presepio , villagers go about their business. On the left is the Holy Family (II Mistero ). Figures were restored by Kibbe
AUSTRIAN MUSEUMS PRESENT EARLY CRIBS
In Tyrol, the first Christmas crib was set up in the Jesuit Church in Innsbruck in 1608 At first, the figures were dressed in costumes that reflected the baroque taste for splendor Later cheaper figurines made of thin cardboard and painted by professional and folk artists became popular The tradition of the carved Nativity figurines goes back primarily to Johann Giner, senior, of Thaur (1756-1833) . His church cribs with their large :figurines became the model for subsequent generations of woodcarvers A crib by Giner can be seen today at the Tyrolean parish church at Thaur
During the 18th centmy and the first half of the 19th, the Nativity scene was presented in an imaginary setting With the growing number of pilgrimages to the Holy Land in the second half of the 19th centmy, the oriental or realistic style became popular Since 1900, crib lovers have concentrated on the Tyrolean crib with a rural or Alpine setting. Such settings can be seen in the displays of the Tyrol Folk Art Museum in Innsbruck.
Also during the Christmas season, the Austrian Museum of Folk Life and Folk Art in Vienna displays its Austrian cribs A highlight of the exhibit is the Jaufenthaler Krippe , a late baroque creche with nearly 1000 dressed figures , and covering about 22 square meters Originally, the creche belonged to the church at Vill , a small village of Tyro l in western Austria. However, during the reign of Emperor Joseph II ( 1780-90) , the presentation of creches in churches was forbidden, and Lorenz Jaufenthaler , as others did during that time , took the creche out of the church to his own farmhouse There , the creche stayed for several generations . Finally, in 1896, a great grandson of Lorenz sold the creche to the Society of Ethnography and Popular Culture which owns the Folk Life Museum today
Many of the figures of the Jaufenthaler Krippe date from the late 18th century, although the creche was greatly expanded from Lorenz's time. In addition to the birth of Jesus , the display presents main events in his life, including the boy, Jesus, in the Temple, and the Marriage at Cana.
Information from Dr. Herlinde Minardi, Tiro/er Volkskunstmuseum, Innsbruck and from HR Dr. Franz Grieshofer, Osterreichisches Museum fur Volkskunde , Vienna
Dear Readers,
A new year, a new millennium, a new beginning. This is indeed the time for new resolutions.
I have a friend who, in the past, had been a serious creche collector. By that I mean, she could rarely leave a shop without buying a piece for one of her Nativities, or a brand new set of some kind. Her new year ' s resolution , she told me in December, was to take a breather on buying anything new for her collection .
Well , she made it through January, and then she went on a short trip to Mexico. Upon her return, I asked her how things had gone . "Fine," she replied-a bit sheepishly , I thought. A few days later, she called me back. " I couldn't bear to tell you when we spoke before, but my conscience has been bothering me. I bought three new Nativities while we were away. But," she hastened to add, "they're only small ones."
And so, my friend, like most of us humans, started the new year and the new millennium just as she left the old one, with a few shattered resolutions at the beginning
Rita B Bacher, Publisher
Creche Herald only subscription information
Year 2001 annual rate : $15; Canada/Mexico: US $18
Other countries: US$20
Enclose check or money order payable to Creche Herald Mail to: Creche Herald, 117 CrosshiU Road Wynnewood, PA 19096-3511 U.S.A.
Be sure to include name, address, telephone, e-mail.
One of the many scenes shown in the Jaufenthaler Krippe, the marriage in Cana, from the Osterreichisches Museum fur Volkskunde, Vienna, Austria
AN INNKEEPER'S TALE
Recollections of a special night as told to David Doelp
Whether my Inn at Bethlehem was actually built on the site of Jesse's homestead, as has been rumored, or whether the well is, in fact, a Jacobean well (He purportedly dug many wells in this part of the Judaean countryside), I shall never know for certain. The stone stable most certainly does show the influence on its design of Solomon's stables (adjacent to the holiest of holies, the Temple in Jerusalem). Whatever, these "facts" oflore have served very well to attract travelers from far and wide to see such wonders.
Then, six years before the fateful events, a terrible earth tremor left more than half the stable in ruins (thanks to Yahweh, my Inn was spared any irreparable damage). Moreover, to make matters worse, the new road from Bethlehem to Jerusalem did not go by way of Bethany, thus, no longer passing by my door. With fewer travelers, there had not been money enough to make repairs to the stable. uowever, it was my fervent hope that this newly .rl.required registration for Caesar's taxation would swell the patronage at the Inn, thereby adding enough to my coffers to afford some repairs. And indeed, I found that my establishment soon became filled to overflowing, having to turn away patrons for the first time in many seasons.
What a dilemma I had to face that bitter cold night when a young couple approached the Inn seeking lodging. She appeared very tired and drawn, and seemingly about ready to give birth; he looked frustrated and distraught, having already visited without success every other place oflodging in the area. I had no more rooms available for the night. I had even lodged a family of four in the Public Room of the Inn.
But how could I turn this couple out into the cold night? The only thing left that I could offer them was what remained of the stable. This, at least, might shield them from the frigid night air.
I dispatched the stable boy to clean up the stable a bit and make room for them in one comer. I sent with them a bit of sustenance, a ewer of water, and a laver for their needs. And later that very night, when she did give birth to a beautiful boy, I provided them with some swaddling in which to wrap the infant and a small manger in which to lay him.
It was then that all the strange and awesome events began to occur. At first, there appeared a brightness in the sky that seemed to come to hover over the stable, lighting the place where the infant lay in the manger. Then strange sounds could be heard, not the whistle of wind through the trees, but more like singing. Moments later, coming from the hills beyond Bethlehem, shepherds descended on the Inn seeking a glimpse of the newborn
infant. They recounted an improbable story of singing angels announcing this birth and its significance to the entire world. I did not quite appreciate why they felt they had to bring some of their sheep along; I had quite enough to contend with at that moment.
But that was not the end of the unusual happenings. I began to realize that I was not to get much sleep that night.
Coming in the middle of the night, majestically astride their camels, several sages, astrologers from diverse kingdoms to the east, approached the Inn. They, too, were in search of this infant child. They related an incredible tale of their two year trek, following a heavenly conjunction, to this very stable. They had come to pay homage to this special baby. They proclaimed that this child has been born to be King of the Jews (imagine, a King in my stable). Then they presented to this child the magnificent gifts that they had brought him-gold, incense, and myrrh.
N ow, this really began to concern me greatly. How was I to provide appropriate accommodation for a King, or proper security for such lavish gifts? Notwithstanding, I certainly was not prepared to provide room for these Magi and their entourages. WHAT CHAOS!
I finally had to insist that all leave, in order that the young mother and her newborn could receive their much needed rest.
Sometime later, the young father approached me with a request to borrow the donkey to permit him to take his wife and new son on a journey to the south. He hinted that he had had a premonition of impending danger. He did not wish harm to be brought on anyone else. There was little that I could say to dissuade him. I had to accept his judgement, so I offered them some provisions for the journey (I really did not expect them to return the ass). They disappeared into night's darkness. I never saw them again.
The next day the soldiers came!!! ***
Today, many years later-my sons care for the Inn now-I can still remember those events as clearly as if they had happened last night. I often wonder what had become of the young couple and their infant child.
Then, just the other day, I heard about a miracle worker who has come down from Nazareth in the north. Some say that HE is the MESSIAH. Could this be the very same infant "King" that was born in my stable that fateful night?
DavidDoelp, an architect by background and presepio builder by inclination, lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
CRECHE TRAVELER'S ALERT: A MUSICAL IN ASSISI, ITALY
by Mary Herzel
Now pilgrims to Assisi, Italy, can do more than the usual tours around medieval churches They can relive the life and times of the charismatic 13 th century saint who was so important in popularizing the Nativity .
" In France s co ii Musical , we have a musical play that is full of life , one that makes people feel good," said Richard C. Leach of Dallas, Texas , the producer .
Leach had been inspired when he read Thomas of Celano ' s biography of St. Francis, and visited the sites a round Assisi connected with the saint. The beauty of Assisi ' s rolling hills, the olive trees and the cypresses, the sounds of ringing church bells and song birds impressed him " It ' s a play that tells the world to stand back, take stock and start doing what St Francis did-reverence the world and everything in it ," added Leach .
To write the script for the musical stage play, Leach chose Vincenzo Cerami, who was the co-writer of the movie , Life is Beautiful Cerami broke away from the usual chronology, instead, telling Francis ' story through a young postulate, Leonardo , who wants to know more about the Franciscan way
Leonardo learns about Francis' childhood, and his founding of the Friars Minor Calling themselves the Lord ' s minstrels, they sang their way over the countryside working menially to support themselves as they preached the word of God. Toward the end of his life, Francis and a few brothers were living in caves on a mountainside, near the small town of Greccio. It was nearly Christmas , and Francis, wanting to emphasize that Christ was born in a stable, not a palace, got the idea of an outdoor manger. By then thin and frail, he sang the gospel by the side of a manger full of hay, surrounded only by an ox and a donkey. It was all so vivid that the crowd really believed it was in Bethlehem
The American style musical premiered in May 2000, and will resume again in May 2001. A medieval ambience is achieved through elaborate set design, 325 changes of costume, and a cast of 33 young people. The play is in Italian with English translation projected above the stage.
Contact: Lyrick Theatre Box Office, Via Gabriele D ' Annunzio, 06088 Santa Maria degli Angeli, Assisi (PG) , Italy . Tel : (39) 0758044.4352
FRIENDS OF THE
CRECHE NOTES
Creche Herald
Editor/publisher: Rita B. Bocher
Contributing editor: Mary B Herzel
Communications : Frank B. Herzel
Office: 117 Crosshill Road, Wynnewood, PA 19096-351 l U S.A
Web a e: www.o .neV---bocassoc/ E-mail : crech o net
Dear Friends of the Creche :
We are looking forward to Spring now, but I hope you still have some fond memories of the past Christmas season . I am sure we all enjoy displaying our creche, or creches, hopefully seeing some exhibits, or at least enjoying some Christmas events in our church or community
The Friends of the Creche (FOTC) , while still very new, already exceeds 200 members from 40 states and two foreign countries . We hope , of course, to become a much larger group as word spreads of the FOTC As a new organization, we have adopted goals which include promoting the creche tradition and sharing information about its history, exhibits, and museums which hold collections of creches. To that end, we are seeking ways to share our enthusiasm for this rich tradition, and we invite you to let us know what you would enjoy as members.
The major event for us this year is the FOTC convention in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, November 8-10. We already have an exciting program lined up. Our speakers are fascinating scholars, artists, and creche enthusiasts. The convention also will be fun, and we have some unusual entertainment planned . You will see the much-heralded living Nativity pageant, The Miracle of Christmas , at the Millennium Theatre. Thousands have enjoyed this spectacle over the years Our other evening programs include a reception at the National Christmas Center, and a concert presented by the New York composer of Bending Toward the Light: A Jazz Nativity. We hope you will give serious thought to attending More information will be forthcoming
In regard to organizational matters, we have become incorporated in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and are working on our application to seek tax-exempt status so that contributions can be tax deductible.
We also are hoping to develop a webpage soon. If any of you are experts in constructing webpages, perhaps you will volunteer to help us with our effort
On behalf of the FOTC Board, I thank you very much for joining our society, and invite your ideas to help us develop and be an attractive organization for you .
Contact us at Creche Herald or contact me directly through e-mail : JimGovan@aol.com
Regards,
Jim Govan Chair, Friends of the Creche
READER MAKES A NOSTALGIC FIND
Michael Austin, Boston, Massachusetts, is a man who believes in following through on what he reads. In the very first Creche Herald (Spring 1997), I alluded to the rubber molds that we kids had used in church school to make plaster of paris Nativity figures Here are Michael's personal comments on his research
"You had mentioned playing with rubber creche molds as a child. So did I and probably the same ones, as the only ones on the market at the time were produced by Berstead (or Bersted) Hobby Craft.
" Well , as I dog-paddled the internet (" surfing'' is too sophisticated for my activities), I came across a site of people asking about rubber molds for Nativity sets A couple ofresponses gave the Lynnette Company, Inc., 6251 Mentor Park Blvd., Mentor, OH 44060 . Their 134-page catalog, which I ordered, sells for $5.00. "
The Lynnette Company produces rubber molds in three sizes, and one of them, Michael avows , "is the Berstead original , that you, I, and a lot of other kids used ."
Address Change for Wood Carver
Robin Edward Trudel, a Nativity woodcarver in Dracut, Massachusetts, gives his new email address and website : rtrudel@teamtrudel.com and www .teamtrudel .com .
SPECIAL NEW CHILDREN'S BOOK
Augsburg Fortress Press of Minneapolis, Minnesota, has recently released The Christmas Bird by Sallie Ketchum and illustrated by Stacey Schuett. The story tells how the robin got its red breast Published in 2000, the richly painted scenes unfold the story of the little bird, who , lost over Palestine on its way south, fluttered into the stable where the Christ Child was born. No doubt, many will remember the story of courage , kindness, and love The book is suitable for very young readers or for famil y reading This is an ancient tale in dazzling new colors
About $17 at your local bookstore.
???? and Comments
Q. What is the Mass of the Rooster or the Mass of the Shepherds?
A. According to tradition , the rooster has crowed only once at midnight, at Christ's birth Hence , Spanish and Latin American countries call their midnight mass on Christmas Eve, Misa de/ Gallo, the Mass of the Rooster.
In honor of the shepherds who first heard the good tidings on the first Christmas, the people of Poland call their Christmas Eve Mass , Pastp-ka, the Mass of the Shepherds
Everything you've ever wanted for Christmas!
61 East Market Street* Corning, New York 14830
607-937-3715
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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.
A creche setting created by Jose M" Rebe, Pamplona, Spain Sr. Rebe's scene is typical of the stwming detail which the Spanish Belenistas lavish upon their sets
CREATE YOUR OWN AMISH NATIVITY
As we get into the spirit of the first Friends of the Creche convention in November 2001 that takes place in Pennsylvania Dutch country, we thought those readers who are handy with a needle would like to hear of a recent book : An Amish Nativity: Complete Projects and Instructions.
The volume, by Ruth Ann Gingrich and Jan Steffy Mast, (Intercourse, PA : Good Books, 1998) is a primer on making a cloth Nativity in the Amish tradition. Gingrich, who designed the original Amish Nativity figures, is an expert seamstress and quilt maker. Both she and Mast, also an experienced needlewoman , work in shops in Intercourse, Pennsylvania.
In the setting shown, the Amish Holy Family watches carefully over the manger in which the Holy Child is covered with a traditional Amish quilt. There are four patterns for making the miniature quilts: a center diamond ; a bars; a Roman stripe, and a checkerboard.
Figures are fashioned without faces, in keeping with the Amish tradition of humility. That practice was common among the Amish during the late 19th century and continued for about fifty years thereafter. It stemmed from a careful effort to live as the Bible directed, particularly following the Old Testament admonition not to make graven images. That prohibition was interpreted to mean no taking of photographs, or making dolls with faces that too nearly resembled actual human ones.
Pattern templates are given for the human figures and their clothing, as well as for the animals. In addition to the Holy Family, the book gives details for making shepherds, the Magi, camels, sheep of various sizes, a donkey and a cow . Careful instructions describe the materials needed and the steps to be followed in creating the Nativity scene. The clothing of the figures is plain in keeping with the Amish mode. Colors suggested for the clothing fabrics are those preferred by the Amish: rich burgundies; blues, greens and purples. Included are detailed steps for making the Baby's cloth manger.
The book also includes reading sources about the Amish and Amish quilts.
Books can be ordered on line at www .goodbks .com or through The Old Country Store, PO Box 419, Intercourse, PA 17534, Tel: l-800-828-8218 . $15.95 plus $3 s/h. The authors will be delighted to speak with you.
LET OTHERS ENJOY THOSE GREETING CARDS
Holiday cards of all types, birthday, Valentine, wedding , anniversary and any other picture cards you receive are gratefully accepted by the St. Jude's Ranch for Children for decorative projects. To decrease postage expenses when mailing, just send the picture part of the card.
Send to : St. Jude's Ranch for Children
100 St. Jude's Street P.O. Box 60100 Boulder City, NV 89006-0100
MAKE A NOTE ON YOUR CALENDARS
The next International Creche Convention will take place in 2004 in Prague, Czech Republic.
In 2000, fourteen Americans traveled to Pamplona, Spain, for the convention. Two other Americans planned their European vacations to coincide with the convention festivities.
Something to dream about for now.
Figures from An Amish Nativity showing the traditional Amish depiction of faces without defined features .
CHRISTMAS
L. Costa Philadelphia Museum of Art 2001
A 15TH CENTURY TREASURE FROM PHILADELPHIA MUSEUM OF ART ON POSTAL STAMP
Lorenzo Costa (1460-1535) painted this serene Madonna and Child circa 1490 . It was done in oil on a wood panel during the High Renaissance in Italy The size of the original painting is about 18" x 13".
Possibly born in Bologna, in northern Italy, Costa, as a young man, trained in the city of Ferrara, and was a pupil of Ercole Roberti From there , he returned to Bologna, working at the Bentivoglio Court, and becoming a partner with the artist, Francesco Francia. In 1506 , he went to Mantua as court painter to the Gonzaga family.
Costa's works also are in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, the Louvre , Paris, the National Gallery, London , and the U:ffizi, Florence.
This painting, considered one of Costa ' s severest and finest efforts , is part of the John G. Johnson Collection of the Philadelphia Museum of Art The work was one of 1,200 pieces bequeathed by Johnson to the City of Philadelphia in 1917 , and now housed at the Museum
Selection of the Costa work as the United States Postal Service holiday traditional stamp coincides with the 125 th anniversary of the Philadelphia Museum of Art in 2001. Situated at the end of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, and poised high above the picturesque Schuylkill River in the downtown area, the majestic Graeco-Roman style Museum building is one of the most distinctive edifices in the city. Its 200 galleries, juxtaposing nearly a half million pictures , sculptures and decorative arts--all sequentially-follow the evolution of art in the East and West. Full sized period rooms add to the dramatic presentation of the holdings
It has been two years since the United States Postal Service has issued a new holiday traditional stamp The uncertainty over the postage price increase, coupled with an excess of traditional stamps from the year , before caused the Postal Service to refrain from issuing the Jan Gossaert Madonna and Child originally scheduled for release in 2000 (see Creche H erald, Spring 2000)