Santa Used to Live off Fortson Drive
Jack Martin is probably the most famous Santa from Athens. I heard many
wonderful stories of Jack, but I never met him.
Another Santa is etched in my old Athens mind. As an impressionable college graduate, I was once treated to the most endearing sight of many holiday seasons. While visiting friends and their parents on Christmas Eve, a fully grown neighbor, dressed in ill-fitting red and wearing a polyester beard and a wig two sizes too small, came knocking on the back door and entered without permission. Now just about everyone is happy on the night before we celebrate the birth of Jesus, but this Not-Macy’s-Worthy Santa was going to make sure that each smile got just a bit bigger.
Big Terry Wingfield ended up making his annual Christmas journey for a number of years. Adults and teens all giggled, the young women invited to sit on his lap offered not a hint of protest, and the children, the children were beside themselves seeing the real Santa on his way around the globe. Terry would visit homes of friends and neighbors for hours on Christmas Eve, spreading wisecracks and promising ponies. I imagine he was a total surprise at many of his stops, but I also
imagine he barged right in. No getup is as likely to find an open door and warm hearth as a six-foot elf with added padding and twinkling blue eyes.
He brought no gifts and asked for no cookies. But the magic of Christmas surrounded our Athens hero like smoke from the fire. His good nature and rapid banter were just so comforting. Years later, in another state, I asked my wife
if I could play Santa like Terry Wingfield had done in Athens. She returned within hours with a corduroy Santa suit and a wig and beard so significant they included hair nets for storage. I played Santa to the children of friends in New Jersey for about four years and re-learned the most basic of Christmas platitudes:
It is better to give than to receive.
I learned that walking into a child’s home and telling her she’s been good and watching her eyes become as large as the moon is one of the most enjoyable experiences a man can give himself. My Santa was okay, I guess.
Getting allowed in the second Christmas is maybe the proof of some passing grade. And I learned almost immediately that Big Terry had been keeping a secret from his friends in Athens. He wasn’t dressing in red and applying rouge to just brighten the season for kids and their parents. Terry was giving himself a Christmas present no cobbler, club-maker, vintner or tailor could touch. He got to see Christmas through the eyes of children.
Thanks Terry, you’re a wise, wise man.
Robin Arnold Smith
5:37 pm on Tuesday, December 20, 2011
A great Christmas story, Count, bringing to life the spirit of the season. My eyes are misty for Big Terry, for your carrying on the tradition and appreciation of it, for my own Christmas' past. Thank you for a wonderful story. Merry Christmas, Count Raoul.
Jon Lester
6:10 pm on Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Any of you remember Charlie Parker, who did Santa work and naturally looked the part? He also had Parker House restaurant in the Winterville area, on the property that happened to have been my grandparents' before.
Doc
7:31 am on Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Dang this story sounds familiar. A great story to start down the home stretch towards Christmas.
Katherine Potter
8:46 am on Wednesday, December 21, 2011
As usual, a triumph. Brought a Christmas tear to my eye. Thank you, dear Count.
Rusty Gunn
9:23 am on Wednesday, December 21, 2011
We were recipients of just such a visit back in early 80s at our first house in Maconga by "Big Terry" who has since been known as Grandman to his grandchildren and friends of same. By this time the Santa suit and beard had been updated to near-Phipps quality complete with rosey-cheeked makeup. We have some great pics with our 2 boys who were probably 5 and 3 and totally smitten. Christmas cheer indeed!
Annette Mitchell
9:55 am on Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Big Terry is simply the best! I hope he knows how much joy he has brought to so many.
I loved it when he stopped by our house to surprise the grandchildren. Later on we
stopped by his house after the candlelight service and he was then Santa's helper. There he sat - pen and pad ready to jot down Greer's list. Magically Santa would call while we were there and Big Terry would give him Greer's list - assuring her after each item that he had her toys and they would be delivered. By the time we left I fully expected Santa to show up at my house! What a treasure. Annette (Ransom) Mitchell
Beth Cathey
1:26 pm on Wednesday, December 21, 2011
I am Doc's older sister, and we have a younger brother, Frank...we are all OLD now! We lived next door to Terry and Joy for 17 years...and still consider them family. Those Christmas Eve visits will always remain forever precious in my memory. My favorite one is the year I began to question the existence of Santa, and asked for his autograph on an autograph pillow. At some point in the WEE hours, I sleepily wandered down the hall, and guess who I could see writing on my pillow...it was indeed Santa...Santa Terry with my sweet Daddy watching over his shoulder...I never doubted his existence again...and still don't! Beth Eldridge Cathey
OBY DUPREE
8:19 am on Thursday, December 29, 2011
Now Beth!!! You are not old! Doc and I still have not grown up! Miss you and love you, Oby
Meg Dure
2:09 pm on Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Oh Count, Big Terry delighted my children so much when he would stop by our house on Woodlawn. He is among the most wonderful Christmas treasures Athens has to offer. I'm so glad you wrote this lovely message to share and remind us of how blessed we are...Love it that you did the same for your friends in New Jersey.
woody cole
3:44 pm on Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Count , Let the Season begin !!! Santa has been attached to me for nearly 60 years !!! There was a time that I even played a politically correct Santa !!! All great fun !!! Never a switch was bestowed !!! Marry Christmas Count/Tarzan
Big Terry
6:32 pm on Saturday, December 24, 2011
Count, you do me great honor by remembering my Santa Clause days many years ago. Thanks for the memories. Merry Chrismas. -Big Terry
Annette Mitchell
8:56 pm on Saturday, December 24, 2011
Merry Christmas to you, Joy and your lovely family. You are simply the best and I know Mayson is smiling down on all of us.
Count Raoul
4:16 pm on Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Thanks Big Terry! You made a lot of kids very happy. And taught a lot of parents how it's done with good cheer!
OBY DUPREE
8:20 am on Thursday, December 29, 2011
So glad I found my buddy's articles! They are such great reminders of my love for my hometown and all the wonderful memories.