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Santa's Land was developed by Jack Poppele, a New Jersey native and old-time radio pioneer who helped found WOR, a radio station in New York City.
Poppele had a vision to create a Christmas themed amusement park. After scouring many locations, he settled on a beautiful grove of pine trees along route 5, just north of Putney, VT.
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| Brattleboro Daily Reformer, August 9, 1957 (click to enlarge) |
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| Santa's Land Postcard from 1957 (click to enlarge) |
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On August 10, 1957, Poppele opened Santa's Land and dedicated the park to the children of the world. Opening day admission was only 19 cents!
Back then, Route 5 was the major highway, stretching all the way from New Haven, CT to the Canadian border. Poppele was a major proponent of the I-91 highway construction project which promised to bring more tourism to the Green Mountain State.
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Poppele, and his daughter June, managed Santa's Land for well over a decade bringing joy to countless New England families.
In 1970, the park was sold to the Brewers, a local family that ran the park for nearly 30 years!
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| Santa's Land Old Photo (click to enlarge) |
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| Santa's Land Igloo |
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Under the Brewers management, the park saw many changes but most notable was the addition of the Igloo Pancake House. This structure, shaped like a giant foam igloo, was originally built as the Brewer's home before being converted into a restaurant!
Unfortunately, the Igloo Pancake House is no longer serving buttermilk, blueberry or yep, even peppermint pancakes but many devoted faithful wait longingly in hopes that the maple syrup will flow once more in this treasured attraction!
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