I have a passion of old amusement parks. Over a year ago, I noticed that Santa's Land was for sale, and decided to go take a look. It looked rather inexpensive, as far as amusement park prices go, and I wondered if it was worth the effort to raise the money to purchase it.

I spent a few months researching the situation, looking at car traffic patterns, Putney's zoning regulations, and talking to people who had fond memories of the property.

The plan I had was to leave a section of the park as a historic tribute to Santa's Land, but to also change the park to attract new business by creating a "classic" old-fashioned park.

You would be able to walk through beautiful gardens (like Tivoli), sit and eat or drink excellent local food by real chefs, play games on a simple midway, or ride on classic park rides such as a wooden coaster, carousel, bumper cars, or ferris wheel (like Coney Island). At night, the park would be delicately lit, and people would be able to see bands or dance in the nightclub under the coaster.

Prices would be brought down so that families could attend easily and often. Land would be set aside for weekend farmer's markets, craft fairs, etc. There would be minature golf, a real garden hedge maze, and herb gardens for use by the park restaurants. Over time, the park would grow into a beautiful place for all ages to come sit, eat, drink, play, listen, wander, and more.

Research-wise, it looked possible. A few major stumbing blocks, however, emerged that caused me to abandon the project. I spoke with someone in zoning who told me that my worry about height restrictions for putting in a coaster wasn't the problem. He said that the property is sitting on a big piece of rock, and there is no water there. Everything would need to be trucked or piped in and out. Not good for gardens, fountains, or restrooms.

I also had concerns about the financial numbers that had been presented, since people who worked there said that the current owner was putting personal money into the project. There was no way to tell what the financial situation of Santa's Land really was.

And there I left it.

I'm curious, still, about people's memories of the park as it was, and encourage you to share stories about Santa's Land in the comments below. Did they really serve the best pancakes in the Igloo House? Did Santa grant your wishes?

I actually went on my first date at Santa's Land. I was in kindergarten at the time. It was with my first girlfriend (my mom was the chaperone). We broke up shortly thereafter. I'm not sure if Santa's Land had anything to do with the breakup. I also remember that they had a monkey or chimp named Jingles. They also had a reindeer named Dick, as well as all of the other standard issue Santa reindeer like Donner and Blitzen. Years later while attending Marlboro, I would take unsuspecting classmates to the igloo pancake house. The food was pretty rough times, but the decor was worth it. I think they actually had shag carpet. And I also remember that the restroom had a shower in it, which I thought was really bizarre. The most interesting dish to be had was the Jingles Jubilee pancakes or the peppermint pancakes. I could be wrong on this, but I think I actually got the staff to combine these two combinations into the same pancake once. (pineapple and peppermint). Finally, if you went in through the back door of the igloo, it appeared as though there had been a fully stocked bar. I swear to god, it appears as though there had been some sort of nightclub scene there at one point. On one of my last visits to the pancake house maybe about five or six years ago I remember visiting a very sad looking camel. It was snowing and the camel looked really pissed off. Where is that camel today? Does anyone know? I was reading the article in the Reformer about the new owners plans. That guy sounds way out there - but hey more power to him. The "golfcart ATV's combined with the authentic saloon could prove to be interesting. Why not throw in a little paintball while you're at it?

My only memory is seeing commericals for it in Connecticut as a kid........and I was pretty sure Santa lived considerably more northerly than Putney, Vermont But I've gotta wonder............when tourists think of Vermont, do they think of wild west shootouts? I mean, why not a Hawaiian theme? Or maybe the Civil War? Nothing says "Vermont" quite like cowboys and six-shooters, eh?

I remember it well and I would like to take my kids there as I had so much fun when I was little. They had the little houses with the mini movies, the igloo slide and I loved feeding the animals. I don't think I would take my kids to a western style park. It doesn't seem to "fit" Vermont. Santa's Land is a place I want to share with them and give them the happy memories that I have of the little amusement park in Putney!

I grew up within a few miles of Santa's Land and with other members of my family I actually worked there for a while when I was in school and was in the wedding party for two co-workers when they got married on the "Sweetheart Bridge". The Brewer family owned Santa's Land when I worked there and they were nice people to work for. My job included painting, general yard work, and maintenance as well as caring for the many animals. An earlier writer wondered if there was a camel. I was in the pen giving it "lunch" when it got startled and kicked me in the hip, so I can assure you that yes, there was a camel as well as deer, goats, a chimpanzee and various exotic birds. Some of these animals were lost some years ago when the barn in which they spent the winter burned one night. I'm not sure what the fate of the camel was, though. The Igloo pancake house was put up by the Brewers for use as their home. It is made from foam blown over a balloon and "chicken wire" form. Openings for the doors and windows were then cut out and the glass and doors foamed in place. I was in it a few times and found it real interesting. Kind of like a bright cave. I'm not sure if I would like to live in it or not. I hope the proposed plans for the western theme park work out, although it will be strange to drive by there and not have Santa waving at me as I pass by.

It seems the potential developer of the Western themed park at Santa's Land may have carried a badge and impersonated law enforcement.