Valatie Santa Claus Club
First in the Nation
The Valatie Santa Claus Club was founded on Christmas Eve, 1946. Veterans of World War II pooled their discharge pay to bring gifts to every child in Valatie.
These Santas and their successors prove the truth of the statement made by the New York Sun to the young Virginia O’Hanlon, “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist . . . and he lives forever . . . to make glad the hearts of childhood.”
Dedicated by the Village of Valatie November 30, 1996
Mayor Patrick Grattan
Trustees
Margaret Cooper James Monahan
Dominick Lizzi Charles White II
[ Second Marker : ]
Virginia O’Hanlon Douglas
c. 1980 – 1971
The little girl of “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus” fame spent her final years in Valtie.
The editorial published in the New York Sun September 21, 1897 in response to her question regarding Santa’s existence, establishing Santa as we know him.
Marker is at the intersection of Church Street and William Street, on the right when traveling north on Church Street.
Courtesy hmdb.org
