Sure Nuff
In 1954 the Sure Nuff Company in Minneapolis must have had an extraordinary business. We got in on one of the goodies when we got a request on Sunday to come and help Kevin and Kersten lighten the load in their garage that they are working on. We were assured the box would fit into Dennis’ red pickup. It did as long as we left the end gate down. At that time we did not look into the box. We set the box into the patio porch and that is where I read the label off of the original box as it came from the Sure Nuff Company. Today Dennis couldn’t take it anymore. The two miles of rope that the box was tied up with released the contents. In all his glory, standing tall was Santa Claus in person. Kevin had mentioned that it was motorized but not so much in today’s time.
Dennis’ son-in-law came over this morning and I exited stage left. I was curious but I also realize when puzzles need to be solved, too many questions can cause a situation. Dennis came in and gave me the go-ahead that I could come out. Santa Clause was rotating at the waist and waving with one arm. I did send photos off of my camera to Kevin and Kersten at various points. I was remiss by not taking photos with my camera. Oh right . . . I admit it. I have no idea how to get photos off of my camera onto my computer, thus very few photos are taken with my camera.
Tom took his leave when he was assured the motor had been checked and was working. The clothes had been taken off and now it was my job. With a soft brush on the vacuum, I began taking off a few layers of dust on the velvet. Surprising the fabric was in good shape, still vibrant, but fragile. I did repair one place on the jacket at the neckline where I knew the
hair would cover it after all was said and done. The batting that was pressed cotton, pressed at one time, was taken out around the shoulders. It literally fell apart. I substituted new quilt batting. It was a struggle to get the clothing on as the arm that moved with wiring couldn’t be manipulated to any degree while getting enough fabric for dressing the other arm. It was a tight struggle without putting too much pressure on the fabric. As I look at my photo, I see that I need to adjust the belt and the front of the jacket a bit. My next quest will be working on portions of the beard. The beard is fiberglass. I can attest to that as I have some itches on my hands. The main objective has been met. Santa twists at the waist and waves with genuine spirit. None of the four footed observers were impressed.
Needless to say the laundry I had started earlier was on hold. As the box is original that will be the next project to make sure Santa has his own dressing room while he is mellowing out. We do tackle what is presented to us and have a ball doing it. What happens is that Dennis gets going and before you know it, he has worked me out of a project and is looking for the next task. This project was amazing to work with, something that is 64 years young with many years yet to put the zing into Christmas. I wouldn’t have it any other way.