The Santa Claus Man is a non-fiction book written by Alex Palmer that explores the fascinating and little-known story of John Duval Gluck Jr., who founded the Santa Claus Association in early 20th century New York City. The book delves into the rise and fall of this charitable organization, which aimed to bring joy to underprivileged children during the holiday season.

The Santa Claus Association was established in 1913 by Gluck, a charismatic and ambitious man with a deep love for Christmas. The organization’s mission was to answer letters addressed to Santa Claus and provide gifts to children in need. Gluck, along with his team of volunteers, worked tirelessly to fulfill these wishes, often going above and beyond to ensure that every child received a present.

The book takes readers on a journey through the early years of the Santa Claus Association, highlighting its rapid growth and popularity. Gluck’s efforts captured the attention of both the public and the media, turning him into a beloved figure known as “Santa Claus Jr.” His dedication to bringing happiness to children made him a local hero.

However, as the organization expanded, cracks began to appear in its operations. Gluck’s ambitious nature led him to make questionable decisions, such as accepting large sums of money from corporate sponsors and using some of it for personal gain. These actions eventually caught up with him, leading to scandal and the downfall of the Santa Claus Association.

Palmer’s book not only tells the story of Gluck and his organization but also provides a broader historical context. It explores the changing attitudes towards charity during this time period and sheds light on the challenges faced by those trying to make a difference in society.

Through meticulous research and interviews with descendants of those involved, Palmer paints a vivid picture of Gluck’s life and the impact he had on countless children. The Santa Claus Man offers an intriguing glimpse into a forgotten chapter of Christmas history, revealing both the joy and the darker side of the holiday season.

• The Santa Claus Man

• The Rise and Fall of a Jazz Age Con Man and the Invention of Christmas in New York
• By: Alex Palmer
• Narrated by: Eric Michael Summerer

Before John Duval Gluck, Jr. Allure appeared, New York City children’s letters to Santa were dropped by the United States Postal Service and left unopened. Gluck saw an opportunity and founded the Santa Claus Association. The effort delighted the public, and for 15 years, money and presents went to the only group allowed to respond to Santa’s letters. Gluck became a well-known figure of the Jazz Age, standing shoulder to shoulder with movie stars and politicians of the era, and even planning a massive Santa Claus monument in New York. downtown Manhattan – until Gotham’s philanthropist uncovers some dark secrets in Santa’s workshop. The Rise and Fall of the Santa Claus Association is a story that is both heartwarming and vibrant, involving stolen artwork, phony Scouts, a kidnapping, the FBI’s pursuit, a bullfight in Coney Island, and above all the thrill and danger of a wild imagination. It’s also the bigger story of how Christmas became the lavish holiday we celebrate today, from Santa’s original beginnings in New York to the first Christmas tree in the world. country’s city and the first major Macy’s holiday parade.

Found this on Audible. Great look at Christmas in the early 20th century, the rise of what we now call Christmas. Mr. Gluck, while somewhat shady, has had an interesting life. Worth reading!

A friend of mine got this for me because I’m a true crime fan. I tend to be drawn to more creepy, serial killer genres, so the title didn’t get me too excited at first. But even just a few pages into the opening chapter, I was hooked. Although the body count wasn’t as high as I was used to, the story caught my eye immediately and I found Gluck’s shady attempts to achieve fame and glory extremely intriguing. The sharp writing gives the story plenty of momentum, even as the author is taking one of his many detours through New York history. This book contains so many fascinating details and memorable characters, I’m sure it will stick with me for many Christmases to come.

I’m usually a fan of books that delve into forgotten chapters of history, but it’s rare to find a book with such strong writing style. What could easily have been just a bunch of quirky historical footnotes turned into an unforgettable single story. The author jumps between anecdotes with a gentle brushstroke and confident storytelling that completely captivated me. Instead of just one man’s story, the book becomes a portrait of New York City at the turn of the century, and its impact on the Christmas tradition we continue to celebrate. concept to this day.

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