There is nothing so charming as a small town Santa Claus greeting holiday visitors with a smile and a hearty laugh.  How many remember Santa and Mrs. Claus from Bresees Department Store in Oneonta?  Yes, we all do.  In my own hometown of Sidney, Santa at Kent's Department Store on Main Street was also a mainstay.  And, while our Christmas memories of Santa last forever, unfortunately Santa's aren't always that lucky.

Cooperstown had a Santa Claus that embodied the very best in the holiday tradition.  From the twinkle in his eye, to his full and immaculately trimmed white beard, to the elaborate red velvet Santa outfit, and to his hearty laugh booming up and down Cooperstown's Main Street, Paul Kuhn was Santa Claus to many in this historic village.

Paul Kuhn has now died..

According to AllOtsego.com, Kuhn passed away on June 2 with his family by his side.  He was 83 years old and had been suffering from a brief illness.

If ever there was a fixture in Cooperstown it was Kuhn.  He gave fascinating walking tours of the village, and was a docent at the Farmers Museum where he interpreted the Bump Tavern for nearly two decades, about the same length of time he served as the villages' Santa Claus.

Many residents of the village, young and old alike, will carry fond memories of this special man.  And those memories will carry them all year long, but especially at Christmas.  Rest in peace, Paul.  And thank you.

Funeral arrangements are pending. For more on this story visit our publishing partner at AllOtsego.com.

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