Rudolph, Modern Santa And New Year's Baby Originated In New Rochelle

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The way the world celebrates Christmas today was in many ways molded right here in New Rochelle and the library is keeping a list and checking it twice.

The New Rochelle Public Library announced that they will be presenting "New Rochelle’s Amazing Holiday Connections, from Rockwell to Rudolph," on Nov. 27, at 3 p.m. The virtual program will illustrate the many ties New Rochelle has to the holiday season.

Some of America’s most popular holiday characters, songs and imagery were created by New Rochelle residents.

The program will reveal the stories behind these and other local holiday influencers, including:

• Norman Rockwell fashioned the modern-day Santa for the covers of national magazines, from his many studios in New Rochelle.
• Robert L. May, who grew up in New Rochelle, gave life to the timeless tale of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer."
• J. Fred Coots penned the lyrics for the hit tune "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" from his home in New Rochelle’s Larchmont Woods.
• Joseph Leyendecker, the prominent New Rochelle illustrator, created the tradition of the New Year’s Baby, after bringing the German custom to America.

The program will be presented by Barbara Davis, New Rochelle’s City Historian and the Co-Director of the Westchester County Historical Society.

Registration is required and can be done here.

Find out more about the New Rochelle Public Library at their website.

SEE ALSO: Jules Bass, Producer Of 'Rudolph' & 'Frosty' TV Specials, Dies At 87