An Orangeburg couple's generosity in sharing their love of the Christmas holiday with their community for more than 40 years places them in the spotlight this month.
Nominated by Mary Hudson, Mr. and Mrs. Julian Stroman at 2131 Old Riley St. are being recognized for exemplifying the December Community of Character trait of "sharing."
"For so many years, Mr. Stroman's Christmas displays have enriched our community. Mrs. Evelyn Stroman has given her time to assist her husband in the display," Hudson said. "They are an asset to the community with their willingness to share their love for the Christmas holiday with the community."
In December 1958, when Stroman's daughter Karla was only 6 months old, he began what has become a tradition in Orangeburg. His Christmas display started as a modest Nativity scene featuring three camels and four sheep.
The Stromans moved to their current residence in 1969. One of Mr. Stroman's fondest memories is of his daughter and her friends climbing into the manger scene and becoming a part of the display.
In the 1970s, new additions began to appear in the Stromans' yard. The open Bible with the verse from St. Luke was added when Stroman expressed his desire to add a verse to his display. A friend of his from Bowman, who was a preacher, mentioned that it would be a good idea to add the scene.
The children's portion of the Christmas display was started in 1989 when the Stromans' first granddaughter, Jessica, was born. Santa and his reindeer, the scene of Mary and Joseph traveling to Bethlehem and Santa's workshop appeared first. Frosty and the reindeer were added soon thereafter.
Preparation for the Christmas display begins shortly after Halloween when Stroman begins to bring out the strands of lights. Each light strand is thoroughly checked to ensure that all lights are working properly. Next appear the various cut-outs that decorate the yard. Each piece is given individual attention, and Stroman makes any needed repairs and repaints the cut-outs that can use a fresh coat.
The yard is assembled in sections -- the manger scene, the shepherds gathered around the fire, the cow and sheep peeking through the gateway to the back yard, etc. Friends eagerly assist Stroman in erecting the scenes, ensuring that for another year Orangeburg will enjoy the wonderland of Christmas lights and decorations that grace his front yard.
The "snow" under the display with Frosty and the elves helping Santa is actually hay painted to resemble the icy white stuff. Pine straw is used to create pathways for those willing to brave the cold to walk about the yard and marvel at the labor of love.
Stroman said he is especially grateful for the help he receives from Barbara Wolfe.
"She assists me in painting the figures after I have cut them out. It is her wonderful artistry that you see gracing the Dalmatians playing in the front yard by the choir. She has been a great and valuable asset to me in preparing my display," he said.
The music that plays in the children's section includes the songs, "Here Comes Santa Claus" and "Jolly Old St. Nick." The vocals for the choir display were provided by the Lutheran Church Choir. Howard Hoffman, Margaret Thompson and others from the Stromans' church provide the unique perspective of the Bible story that can be heard there.
Mrs. Stroman thinks the best part of the display is the fact that everything is handmade. She said her husband orders patterns and cuts them out by hand.
"My husband loves working with his hands," she said. "He loves to be working in his workshop."
For Stroman, the best part of the display is watching the children.
"Children come to my yard and are so happy and joyful to see the display," he said. "I really enjoy putting the display up for everyone to enjoy. I have enjoyed every moment spent in creating the displays."
In the years before creation of the Children's Christmas Garden at Edisto Memorial Gardens, the Stromans said schools would bring students to see their display.
"They would be lined up down the street, waiting their turn to come into the yard. Buses would come two at a time to allow the children to see the display," Mrs. Stroman said.
Hundreds of people still come to view the display each year, including residents from The Methodist Oaks.
Each year it becomes more difficult to arrange for the display, Stroman said. Some of the lights he uses are no longer available. To ensure that he has enough lights, he buys six to seven dozen new strands each year. Some of the patterns are no longer available, and the company he ordered them from is no longer in business. Last year's unexpected snow fall caused damage to the Christmas scene, and the stars that adorn the yard had to be replaced.
Nevertheless, the Stromans vow that as long as they're able, they'll continue to share their love of the Christmas holidays with this very special gift to the community.
T&D Correspondent Rebecca Evans can be reached by e-mail at revans@carterlawfirmpa.com.