Letters to Santa are still popular to this day. Children were excited as their parents would read them when published in local newspapers The Minot Daily News and Ward County Independent.

One of the earliest requests during a visit with Santa in Minot in December of 1919 was from one a small child who asked for a pair of brown shoes – no doll, candy, or ribbons – just a pair of shoes. Another little girl wanted her Daddy back who was in the Army at that time.

In 1941, Duane, who writes from Harvey, says he has been a good boy. For Christmas he wanted a Lone Ranger suit, mask and Lone Ranger holster and gun. Duane was 6 years old and in the First Grade.

Donna, a little girl from Surrey, wrote a poem for Santa…”Christmas comes but once a year, and please bring me some Christmas cheer.” In addition to the good cheer, she wanted a cutter (sleigh) so she could hitch up her Shetland pony and have a ride. Donna also asked Santa to bring something for every kid in Surrey.

Practically everyone was good in the year 1954.

“We have been three good boys,” said Jerry, Larry, and Bobbie of Minot. “Please bring us a tractor, shovel, trucks, cowboy suit, gun and holster. We will leave you coffee on the table.”

Minot brothers, Bruce and Mike, 6 and 2-1/2 respectively, told Santa they were “pretty good” and wanted a gun that shoots ping-pong balls, a train, cowboy boots, cash register and an airplane.

“We will be waiting to see what you bring. Whatever you think is best.” Bruce wrote.

Also feeling they had been good was Gloria, Donna and Rickey of Minot, who sought, respectively, a doll with a pink dress and hat, a doll with a green dress and a big airplane. Other letters from out-of-town included one from Gary and Carol of Velva. Gary, 8, wrote a letter simply saying, “I would like a farm set for Christmas.” His sister, 5, wanted a doll and bathinette. Linda, Butch and Karin of Sawyer sought dishes, baking sets, gravel truck, sled and pull toys for 1-1/2-year-old Karin.

Some of the letters Santa received in 1958 were filled with detailed requests like the one from Richard who lived in Minot and who selected his items from a big Christmas catalog. On page 386 of the catalog was a Cape Canaveral Rocket Set priced at $5.79. After listing all the items he wanted, Richard totaled them at the bottom of the letter at $45.49, but Santa noted that his addition was incorrect. Patricia Lynn, who lived in Foxholm, wrote a real colorful letter using red and blue pencils. She said, “I want high heels, a record player, and some records. I’ll have cookie and milk on the table for you.”

Another interesting letter to Santa was from Sharon at Kenmare. She wrote, “Have you been busy?” and went on to tell him that “she sure has been” because she started school that year (1958) and liked it real well. One of the gifts she wanted was a real watch because she could tell time now.

Kenneth of Minot wrote for his whole family. “Please bring Greggy a toy truck. I would like a watch. Pammy would like a buggy. Sally would like a crib. Julie wants a rattle. Gary would like a big truck. Thank you.”

Kathy Anderson of Rt. 3, Minot, wanted Santa to bring a play washing machine because she did not have one. She also wanted a cowboy or cowgirl doll, preferably the girl type. Mike Anderson wanted a cowboy hat, a Colt .45, and a Davy Crocket rifle that ejected bullets. Connie Anderson wanted a statue horse. Kathy told Santa her dad didn’t want anything, but her mother would like $200.

Another interesting letter to Santa was in 1960 was from Virginia Kraft, who lived in Granville. She thought Santa was especially busy that year and told him she would like a jewelry store and a Christmas book. She added, “I want it for Christmas at least.”

Letters to Santa revealed long lists of presents children wanted under their Christmas tree. In 1965, boys would request Johnny Express, the Man from U.N.C.L.E. and Agent Zero M. Weapon set. Girls didn’t just ask for dolls, they asked for Baby First Step, Baby Boo and Barbie dolls.

Santa received letters from children living in Parshall in 1969, who thought he may not be able to find them. Margaret Grady explained her location this way, “We live in the white house near my Grandpa Bluestones house.” Kenneth Lyson said, “I live across from the cafe Abob in a small house. If you can’t find me, just ask at the cafe.” And Brad Zacher explained, “I live northwest of Parshall in a big white house. When the lights are on it looks like a big Christmas tree.”

One of the first letters Santa received in December 1965 was from Janet (Missy) Willoughby on 8th Street in Minot asking Santa for a walking doll, “please, pretty please.” The letter carried two Boys Town stamps for postage. Susan Marsch on West Central requested a “vacumacer,” while Colleen, also of Minot, wanted a statue of Santa.

Terry Sessing, rural Minot, enclosed a calendar with his letter so Santa wouldn’t forget the big day. Larry Mortenson on 40th St. SE related, “I have been a good boy. I help clean my room and help my Mommie and I want a 5 star general suit. Santa that’s all.”

Brinda Walter of Berwick wrote, “I would like a baby first step and some clothes for it and a nurse kit, and a time bomb. Good-by Santa.”

Santa certainly would not go hungry when he arrived at the Hankla home on 14th Street in Minot. Brian Hankla writes, “I’ll put some crackers and milk under the tree.” And Barbara Jean Hankla, Brian’s sister, wrote in a separate letter, “We will have cookies and milk under the tree.” Another snack awaited Jolly Santa when he reached Towner as eight-year-old Dale Erhardt reported, “We will leave a big glass of milk and some cookies for you on the kitchen table and a big carrot for Rudolfh.”

There comes a time when every child wonders if they believe in Santa Claus anymore. One such letter arrived from Minot two years ago when one boy told Santa that his older brother wasn’t sure he believed and may not send his letter. He did send that letter a week later. Although Santa knew he was being tested, he managed to reassure him to believe (at least for one more year). Merry Christmas Santa!