Take Off the Mask and Stop Playing Santa Claus

Melvern R. Evans, an architect in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, created this remarkable folded Christmas card in 1932. The front of the card, which was printed on plain green paper, simply says, "Just a minute--please." Inside (see above) is a photo of Evans holding a Santa mask along with a message indicating that 1932 was a "poor business year" (it was the height of the Great Depression).

To remedy the economic situation, Evans suggests, "Let's take off the mask and stop playing Santa Claus to the entire world," meaning, I guess, that the United States should concentrate on addressing its domestic problems before providing aid to other countries.

Despite his feelings about the dire financial conditions during 1932, Evans ends his greeting on a positive note by acknowledging old friendships and wishing a Merry Christmas "to you and those you love" (see below for the full text of the card).

Just a minute--please

This is a time for deep thought and accurate action.

Let's take off the mask and stop playing Santa Claus to the entire world.

We must have contentment at home to be a happy family.

The year 1932 passes--well let it--it has been a poor business year. But...it has ripened old friendships--and it's [because of] that old friendship that I cheer it's passing with a Merry Christmas wish--to you and those you love.

Melvern R. Evans, A.I.A., Architect, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, at Christmas, 1932.