Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites

Writing a letter to Santa is a cherished part of the holiday magic for many children, even as far back as the 19th century. We know this because in 1995 when some restoration work was being done on the chimney in the family parlor room of the Lanier Mansion State Historic Site, workers discovered a lightly burnt piece of paper with a child’s handwriting on it.

Hand-written in pencil by Margaret Cravens, the great-granddaughter of James F.D. Lanier, the letter contained a wish list from 1888 — more than 100 years before it was discovered.

The letter reads: “Dear St. Nick, bring me a doll, and a book, and a chair, and a pitcher, and a album, and a stool, and a basket, and a ring, and a pin.” Quite the ambitious wish list!

But why was it stuck up a chimney? In a time before diligent post office workers delivered letters, it was customary for children to stick their letter in the chimney and allow it to be carried upward draft of the fire and away in the hopes it would reach the North Pole. You had to be careful not to allow your letter to burst into flames, or else you’d need to write a new one!

A few of these letters got stuck in chimneys and continued to survive to this day. Though slightly singed by the fire, Margaret’s letter gives us wonderful insight into what childhood was like in the 19th century.

The holidays are a wonderful time to visit the Lanier Mansion in Madison. See the mansion beautifully decorated for the season, marvel at the stunning architecture and enjoy a tour from our knowledgeable staff.