Goldblatts Santa
| Goldblatt's Santa | |
|---|---|
| Year | Late 1950s |
| Medium | Fiberglass |
| Owner | Ambrose Christmas Store |
The Goldblatt’s Santa (also known as the Charles Street Santa or the Ambrose Santa) is an 11-foot-tall fiberglass Santa Claus statue and holiday landmark in the Rockford, Illinois metropolitan area. Originally installed in the late 1950s atop a department store, the statue has survived corporate bankruptcy and multiple relocations to become a piece of local holiday folklore.
History
Origin at Goldblatt’s (1956–1981)
The statue was acquired by the Chicago-based retail chain Goldblatt's for its Rockford Plaza Shopping Center location at 616 Hollister Avenue. The store opened in 1956. In the late 1950s or early 1960s, the store began mounting the two-piece fiberglass Santa on its rooftop facing Charles Street during the Christmas season. The figure, featuring a raised waving arm, became an iconic seasonal display for shoppers and passing motorists. For decades, it served as a signal to the community that the holiday season had begun.[1].
The "Traveling Santa" years (1981–1997)
Following Goldblatt's bankruptcy and the closure of the Rockford store in 1981, the statue was purchased by local resident William "Bill" Lidster of Pecatonica, Illinois. Lidster acted as the statue's caretaker for 16 years, moving it to various locations for the enjoyment of the community. During this period, the Santa appeared at:
- Lidster's business, Advanced Window Systems, in Loves Park, Illinois.
- Lidster’s private residence along Illinois Route 70.
- Rockford’s annual Festival of Lights at Sinnissippi Park [2]
Ambrose Christmas Store (1997–present)
In 1997, Lidster transferred the statue to the Ambrose Christmas Store in Loves Park. The family-owned shop, established in 1969, became the Santa's permanent home. The statue is now erected annually outside the store on North Second Street, where it is often cited by residents as "the first real sign of Christmas".[2]
Legacy
The 11-foot statue is considered a symbol of community continuity and shared holiday memories. It has been featured in local media and travel guides as a piece of Rockford's mid-century holiday heritage.[1]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Rockford Plaza Shopping Center, Rockford, IL - Reviews, Ratings, Tips and Why You Should Go". Wanderlog. Wanderlog. Retrieved 2025-12-25.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Rockford Buzz. "Ambrose Santa has made a few stops!". Rockford Buzz. Rockford Buzz. Retrieved 2025-12-25.
Category:Loves Park, Illinois Category:Buildings and structures in Rockford, Illinois Category:Christmas characters Category:Statuary in the United States
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