Santa Claus, the enduring, but thoroughly American, character that symbolizes Christmas, has been popular in Spokane for the past century or so. The modern Santa Claus, drawn from the 3rd century monk born in modern Turkey, but shaped mostly by Clement Moore's "Twas the Night Before Christmas", has been used to commercialize the Christian holiday throughout the 20th century. Read Monday's Then and Now for some background on Santa Claus in Spokane. 

In 1961, an upset youngster called the Spokane Police department and asked, with a sob in his voice, "Have you let Santa out of jail yet?"

Lori Secrist, telephone operator at the police station, couldn't believe her ears, so she asked again what he had said. The boy said he saw two policemen escorting Santa to jail and was worried there wouldn't be any Christmas this year. The boy had actually seen officer Harold E. Tucker walking into the police station with two other officers who were helping Tucker, a longtime Santa player, prepare to visit elementary schools to pass out candy and talk about safety. Local independent insurance agents sponsored the visits and bought the chocolate he handed out. Secrist assured the boy Santa was safe and ready to complete his duties.

Read last Monday's Then and Now, about the creation of our modern transit system in Spokane, here. 

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