FREEHOLD — The Monmouth County Historical Association presents a special loan exhibition of vintage Santas on view now through Jan. 15 at the museum and library, 70 Court St., Freehold.
Santa figures and toys have been a part of holiday decorating since the 19th century. The examples on view were imported from Japan or Germany or made in this country. They served as banks, pull toys and candy containers, or just as decorative figures and dolls.
Among the figures on view are several molded cardboard “egg crate” Santas from the 1930s, celluloid Santas imported from Japan in the 1920s, a cast iron example from 1890, and hard plastic Santas made after World War II. Whatever their use or media, Santas remain a popular and well-loved symbol of the season.
The museum is currently decorated for the holidays and also features the exhibition “Craftsmen & Clients,” which shows furniture and silver made by Monmouth County craftsmen from 1695 to the 1830s, as well as a display of Chinese export porcelain and permanent exhibitions relating to the Battle of Monmouth.
The Monmouth County Historical Association is a private nonprofit organization that has been working to preserve history and provide educational opportunities since its founding in 1898.