Community support essential for success of Storybook Lane
Tom Police, left, and Greg Scott with the new “Little Bo Peep.”
Storybook Lane continues to enchant the hearts of Tuscarawas County and beyond with an array of beloved characters. The New Philadelphia Rotary Club has dedicated itself to preserving and restoring this tradition, with notable additions and enhancements to the holiday display this year.
Two key highlights of the 2024 display are the return of “Rain, Rain Go Away” and “Little Bo Peep.” The original displays, which date back to the 1950s, have degraded significantly or become unsalvageable. But thanks to the dedication of the Rotary Club and the artistry of Greg Scott of GS Worx, they’ve been recreated from a single photograph taken by John James, a fellow community member and part of the original group that maintained the display.
Scott’s talent and Brent Devore’s craftsmanship have breathed new life into Little Johnny and Bo Peep, now standing with his umbrella amidst a magical rainstorm and her searching for her mischievous lost sheep. The rain is a highlight, created using an environmentally friendly mixture of water and antifreeze, adding an interactive element to “Rain, Rain Go Away.”
The Rotary Club is not resting on its laurels. The restoration work continues, with plans to recreate the remaining two original displays and a dozen small animal characters in 2025. This endeavor requires ongoing community support to ensure Storybook Lane continues to brighten the holiday season for years to come.
To further support the restoration efforts, the Rotary Club is inviting the community to become Friends of Storybook Lane. For a donation of $100, covering a three-year period, individuals can ensure the magic of Storybook Lane lives on and contribute to its continued preservation. Friends will be recognized on a Friends of Storybook Lane board at the end of the display.
This year visitors to Storybook Lane will be greeted by familiar favorites like “Humpty Dumpty” and “Jack Be Nimble” and also by the new “Rain, Rain Go Away.”
The Rotary Club’s efforts to restore and maintain Storybook Lane extend beyond the festive season. The club invested $7,000 back in 2002 to rebuild and restore the existing displays, replace the lighting and create the 23 interactive storyboards that accompany each character.
Since then the club has remained dedicated to ensuring the long-term preservation of Storybook Lane. Occasional repairs, replacements of damaged pieces, and upgrades to the lighting and electrical systems have been necessary, and the club’s investment in this tradition has surpassed $50,000.
Community support is essential for the continued success of Storybook Lane. The Rotary Club acknowledges the role local businesses and organizations played in the initial restoration project including the Marlite Company, which donated the necessary wood, and Sherwin-Williams, which donated the paint. Numerous other local businesses also have come alongside the club, providing materials and supplies at cost.
The Rotary Club’s dedication to Storybook Lane is further showcased by the partnership with RTY Inc., which provided funding for a storage building at Tuscora Park to house the display safely during the off-season. The staff of Tuscora Park also provides support, moving the display in and out of storage each year and setting it up according to Dick Stewart’s original blueprint.
Storybook Lane is a testament to the power of community, the dedication of individuals and the enduring magic of Christmas. It’s a reminder that traditions, like these whimsical figures, can capture the hearts of generations.
To learn more about becoming a Friend of Storybook Lane and to donate, visit www.newphiladelphiarotary.com or call Tom Police at 330-204-6093.