what is the fawn shop anyway??!

as informed by the Children's Museum [the new home for the legendary Santa]:

It all began seven decades ago….

….in 1936 when the real Santa Claus first visited the landmark Miller & Rhoads department store in downtown Richmond, thrilling scores of youngsters and launching a tradition that would become as rock solid as the city’s famed monuments. He selected the location as his seasonal headquarters and set up shop. No Christmas was complete until your mother, in her hat and gloves, took you, dressed in your holiday best, to see Santa at Miller & Rhoads.

It was a magical experience.

There would be the red-cheeked, genial Santa with his flowing white beard sitting on his grand throne, accompanied by the beautiful Snow Queen. Children could have Tea with Santa, complete with reindeer cookies, and even shop at their own pint-sized Fawn Shop. Generation after generation perpetuated the highly anticipated holiday ritual. Legions of true believers made the pilgrimage to Richmond, many coming from beyond city and state boundaries. So revered was the tradition that Santa became known as the Miller & Rhoads Legendary Santa…..