Source: The Los Angeles Times (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times / July 25, 1997)
I was skimming through The Los Angeles Times and came across some rather sad news. J. Putnam Henck, the builder and operator of the late great Santa’s Village near Lake Arrowhead, passed away at the age of 91. Santa’s Village opened in 1955, shortly before Disneyland, and enjoyed a good long run before closing in 1998. To this day it holds a special place in the hearts of many Southern Californians.
I’m not sure of the last time I bounced around Santa’s Village, delighting in its gingerbread cottages and rickety rides. The very early Eighties, I suspect. My recollections of the place are few. Though ominously empty and severely rundown do come to mind. It was amazing it lasted as long as it did. And still I loved it. How could I not? It was Santa’s Village!
I am saddened it is gone and that no future generation of Angelinos will know its charms. And saddened too that its builder has passed. May they both rest in peace.
