The Guy Who Is Santa Claus

By Christina Richter

Since September of 1897 when 8-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon wrote to the New York Sun newspaper and asked if Santa really existed, the question has delighted and intrigued Christmas fans ever since. The editorial heralds the famous “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus” and gives us insight that is both touching and timeless.

Sun editor Francis P. Church explained to Virginia “Without Santa there would be no childlike faith, then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist.” Perhaps the most poignant phrase is “Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders …unseen and unseeable in the world.”

The inspiration for the charming spirit of Santa Claus has existed through the ages. The heritage we enjoy is evident every Christmas season when a bevy of wonderful folks dress up as our Jolly Old Elf for various roles in the community. The city of Auburn is especially fortunate to have had a legendary Santa Claus for over a quarter of a century. His name was Guy Lukens.

Guy was 15 years old when Virginia inquired about Santa Claus. Perhaps the inspiration for his Santa Claus years was derived from her letter and its response. As an adult Mr. Lukens acted the part of Santa Claus for every church, school, civic program and Christmas celebration possible. The Placer Herald once reported that “Christmas without Guy as Santa Claus would be almost a catastrophe to those who look forward each year to his appearance.”

This was an era when a Santa Claus ‘letter box’ was located at the local pharmacy and messages from the North Pole were printed in local newspapers reassuring children that Santa would be appearing at their event.

In December of 1929, a year that saw the beginning of the Great Depression, the Auburn Theater hosted a large holiday gathering that celebrated 36 new 600-candle power lights being turned on for the first time along Lincoln Way. 2,000 guests were in attendance, including Santa Claus. “Santa Claus was there to gladden the hearts of the little ones” read a local paper.

Sylvester Guy Lukens, aka “Guy”, became involved in his community at an early age. When he was 20 years old, he was one of the organizers of the ‘new’ volunteer Auburn Fire Department and two years later he was elected Chief of Auburn Hook and Ladder Co. No 1, taking the position January 1, 1905. He treasured this post and eventually became the oldest volunteer Fire Chief in the state. Lukens once explained that in the early days “what we lacked in equipment we made up for in enthusiasm.

Guy was also appointed, then elected as Placer County’s tax assessor and collector. He never ran for office in the manner of a true politician, he simply announced his candidacy. His popularity was such that no person in Placer County was ever elected by a bigger majority in more elections than he was. Lukens also enjoyed being a member of almost every fraternal organization in the area and was a strong supporter of civic Improvement programs.

His Santa Claus years fell exactly in the midst of the some of the most tumultuous times in recent history, including the conflict of WWI, the Great Depression and eventually WWII. Yet it was well known that Guy’s spirit as Santa Claus would lift even the dreariest of times. Children adored him, and adults cherished his presence at each of their holiday events.  

The unseen spirit of Santa Claus has the power to evoke magic. In his letter editor Francis Church further explains to Virginia: “He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist. A thousand years from now Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.”

This holiday season we honor those in our past who tirelessly brought the spirit of Santa Claus to their communities and are grateful to those who ensure the children in our lives today also have the chance to believe. Our beloved Guy Lukens reminds us to remember what this wonderful spirit is all about.