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HISTORICAL SOCIETY EXHIBITS CHURCH AND FAMILY PUTZES

Morning Call - Allentown, Pa.

Copyright Morning Call Nov 28, 1997

Cherished putzes from various Lehigh Valley church and family traditions are on display in the Whitefield House in Nazareth, headquarters of the Moravian Historical Society.

A putz is an elaborate creche, incorporating scenes showing more than the traditional Mary and Joseph around a manger, shepherds and wise men.

Electric lights illuminate each scene as a taped narration recites the Christmas story. The putz is covered with live moss, greens and driftwood. Once created by individual families in their homes, several local Moravian congregations now produce putzes for public display.

A variety of figures, including two imported sets, are represented in the holiday exhibit "What Child Is This?"

One is of painted papier mache brought from Germany in 1907 for Jennie Trein's daughters. Trein went on to construct more than 50 putzes, making her a Nazareth legend.

The other set, ordered from Germany in the 1870s, was used in the Morris family putz in Bethlehem until 1994, when the entire putz was donated to the Moravian Historical Society.

Contemporary American putz pieces are on loan from Advent Moravian Church, Bethlehem. A section of the exhibit also displays putz figures made of unusual or unexpected materials, such as seashells, clothespins and gingerbread.

The exhibit can be seen at the Whitefield House, 214 E. Center St., Nazareth, through Jan. 11. The museum is open 1-4 p.m. daily, including weekends, and by special appointment. It will be closed Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Year's Day. For information, call 759-5070.

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