The cover of this card appears to be based on the song "Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town." It's obvious that Santa Claus is "making his list and checking it twice" to see which of the Link grandchildren and or children have been "naughty or nice." Clearly Red, Mary, Robbie and Micky fall into the "nice" category because they are noted as some of the "Good Folks."

This Santa is dressed in a shirt with a large collar that is embellished with a ruffle. The sleeves echo that same embellishment. He also has a cap on his head with a hint of a halo above the cap, possibly referring to Saint Nicholas. He almost appears to be in bed, making his own list.

The interior of the card has a different theme and style. Three children are painting a billboard that shows a completely different Santa who is clearly not the same as the one on the front of the card.

He appears to be holding a paper hoop that a newborn baby is crashing through. The date on the hoop is January 1, 1949, clueing us into the fact that it is the 1948-49 holiday season. Are we to suppose that the Links were expecting another grandchild in 1949? Or, does the newborn baby represent the coming New Year?

This card is unique in that it does not have Mr. Link's name or initials on the card that note he is the illustrator. The only mention that we have is "The Links" at the bottom of the sign.

And, the most clever thing on the card? Did you spy the word written in very light letters on the back of the billboard? The one that says "Thanksgiving?" Obviously, the children are pasting a new, upcoming holiday message over the old one. Neat!

Jane Rozek
Local History Librarian
Schaumburg Township District Library
jrozek@stdl.org