Christmas at Miller & Rhoads: Memoirs of a Snow Queen

by Donna Strother Deekens

Overview

The Christmas season is a time for traditions and, in Richmond, one particular custom reigned supreme: a family outing to Miller & Rhoads department store.

A Christmas outing to Miller & Rhoads department store revealed thousands of smiling faces waiting to enter the kingdom of Santaland- an enchanted world marked by glittering snow and intricate train displays.

From visits to area hospitals to a young man who demanded only a box of raisins, former Snow Queen Donna Strother Deekens shares her touching and humorous holiday memories from her twenty years in the gown. Kids from one to ninety-two will enjoy reminiscing with characters like the elves, Bruce the Spruce and, of course, Miller & Rhoads' legendary real Santa. Discover behind-the-scenes drama and learn firsthand what it was like to partake in this unforgettable event.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781614234647
Publisher:	Arcadia Publishing SC
Publication date:	10/30/2009
Series:	Landmarks
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	160
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

Donna Strother Deekens is owner of Teapots, Treats & Traditions. She has performed professionally as an actress, soloist, entertainer and public speaker. She played the role of a "Snow Queen"? to the "Real Santa"? from 1971 to 1989 at the Miller & Rhoads department store in Richmond, Virginia. She is the author of three books, "Christmas at Miller & Rhoads: Memoirs of a Snow Queen"; "Santaland: A Miller & Rhoads Christmas"; and "Virginia's Legendary Santa Trains" (co-authored with Doug Riddell).

Table of Contents

List of Illustrations 9

Preface 11

Acknowledgements 13

A Childhood Dream Becomes the Perfect Christmas Job 15

The Real Santa 25

"Time to Check on the Reindeer!" 43

It's All About the Children 57

"Ho, Ho, Ho!": The Humor of the Children 71

Christmas Visits that Melted the Heart 83

The Wonders of the Tea Room 99

Beyond Santaland 115

Weary Santa, Tired Snow Queens, Grumpy Elves 131

The Era of Stardust 145

Notes 153

About the Author 159