Santa decoration finds new home for the holidays

Santa does get around, doesn't he? Even the giant Santa in front of Capaha Bank this year has traveled a long way to get where he is today.

"John loves Christmas festivities," said Capaha Bank assistant vice-president Julie Duenne of the bank's president, John Abercrombie. "This is his brainchild, and we've had a lot of positive comments about it."

The 14-foot Santa now sitting at the intersection of Mount Auburn Road and William Street formerly resided in Carolewood Estates off of Kage Road at the home of Delano and Shirley Hobbs. The Hobbs were born and raised in Cape Girardeau, but spent 30 years in California before moving back here about 15 years ago.

Decorated past

The Hobbs bought their Santa from a shopping center at Ventura, Calif., when the shopping center decided to revamp its Christmas decorations. The Hobbs had it for approximately 15 years in California, and Delano thinks the shopping center may have used it for 10 years. This would make the giant Santa at least 40 years old.

"It was a neat thing," Delano Hobbs said. "We'd look out the front door and there would be kids sitting on his boot with parents taking their picture."

With the Hobbs' home located on a hill, Santa appeared even bigger than he is in reality. Rumors circulated that he was anywhere from two to five stories high, according to Delano Hobbs.

When the Hobbs decided to sell their house, they began considering a new home for Santa since it is a large item to move and store.

Abercrombie moved to a spot around the corner from the Hobbs in 1995. He drove past Santa every day during the holiday season.

"It was really from the first moment I laid eyes on it that I envisioned sticking it on the corner there at William Street," Abercrombie said. "When I approached Mr. Hobbs, he said he was interested in selling it. We negotiated a bit right quick, and I came back with a check the same day. I didn't want it to get away."

jgosche@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 133