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MORAVIAN PUTZ TO BE OPEN FOR VIEWING THROUGH JAN. 11

Morning Call - Allentown, Pa.

Copyright Morning Call Nov 27, 1997

Figurines used in a putz -- old and new, traditional and modern -- are the focus of "What Child is This?" the Moravian Historical Society's holiday exhibit at the Whitefield House in Nazareth.

A variety of figures are represented in the exhibit including two historic imported sets. One is of painted papier mache brought from Germany in 1907 for Jennie Trein's daughters. The next year, Jennie Trein made the first of more than 50 putzes which made her a Nazareth legend. The other set was ordered from Germany in the 1870s and was used in the Morris putz in Bethlehem until 1994 when the entire putz was donated to the Moravian Historical Society. A selection of antique animals, most covered with real fleece or fur, is also part of the exhibit.

Newer putz figures are included in the exhibit as well. Several years ago, when it was still located on the south side of the Lehigh River, Advent Moravian Church in Bethlehem commissioned several contemporary American sculptors to create figures for its putz. These pieces are being lent by the church for the exhibit. Other figures have been made in ceramics and craft projects or intricately carved in Oberammergau, Germany.

A section of the exhibit also displays putz figures made of unusual or unexpected materials, such as seashells, clothespins and gingerbread.

Another room of the exhibit features a complete operating putz, made by a local family over a number of years and given to the Moravian Historical Society. Explanations of other Moravian Christmas customs are also incorporated into the exhibit.

The exhibit can be seen at the Whitefield House, 214 E. Center St., Route 191, Nazareth, through Jan. 11. The museum is open daily including weekends from 1 to 4 p.m. and by appointment (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Day). Admission is charged for the museum which includes entrance to the holiday exhibit.

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