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The good ol' holidays

Two exhibits at the Dunedin Historical Society Museum offer a look at Christmases past.

By LaRITA JACOBS, Times Correspondent
Published December 14, 2007

DUNEDIN - After you finish scouring downtown shops for the perfect gift, stop by the Dunedin Historical Society Museum for a taste of Christmases past.

The museum is featuring two exhibits: "History of Santa Claus" and "Holidays in Dunedin."

Among the many collections in the Santa Claus display are advertisements featuring St. Nick and Coca-Cola. Browsing through the exhibit, visitors will learn that the soft-drink company began featuring Santa Claus in its ad campaigns in 1931.

Nostalgia reigns in the holiday exhibit as Chatty Cathy, antique skates, Atari video machines and old board games guide visitors through the history of toys. Original G.I. Joe and Barbie dolls and clever wooden toys harken back to a simpler era.

Photos show downtown Dunedin in holiday splendor during parades in the 1940s and '50s.

Museum staffer Linda Sanders said creating the exhibit was a labor of love.

"It took us a long time to brainstorm the ideas, find the collections and get it all put up," she said. "It is nice that so many people appreciate the results."

IF YOU GO

Christmas sights

What: "History of Santa Claus" and "Holidays in Dunedin" exhibits.

Where: Dunedin Historical Society Museum, 349 Main St.

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Open through January.

Cost: $2 suggested donation; free for children younger than 12.

[Last modified December 13, 2007, 22:17:17]