Ho, ho, ho

Santas visit Indiana University

Published December 09, 2005

Harvey Phillips
Photo courtesy of IU Archives
Harvey Phillips

TUBA SANTA—The Distinguished Professor emeritus Harvey Phillips has made the tuba famous throughout the world, beginning his music career as a teenager with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus Band. He was selected as principal tuba at the Hall of Fame Circus Band and a Hummel figurine, The Tuba Player, was created to honor Phillips.

Click to listen to an archived conversation with Harvey Phillips discussing the TUBA SANTAS.

Herman B Wells
Photo courtesy of IU Archives
Herman B Wells

SEEING DOUBLE, circa 1950—Beginning in 1948, Herman B Wells (president of IU from 1937 to 1962) portrayed Santa as part of holiday celebrations on the Bloomington campus. In the photo at left, Wells is shown with student elves and a cardboard cutout of Santa Wells.

Wells was appointed University Chancellor in 1962 and served the university until his death in 2000. For more on Wells’ century of service, go to this IU Home Pages archival Web site.

Ted Hengesbach
Photo by Joyce Ritchie
Ted Hengesbach
CHEF SANTA—In this December 1996 image, Ted Hengesbach, who was then assistant professor on continuing studies and director of extended programs at IU South Bend, was whipping up a merry mushroom paté. You’ll find the recipe along with more university family recipes at these archived Web sites:

Mushroom paté'

Family recipes

STILL LOOKING FOR SANTA—Fifty years of tracking Santa—go to this Norad tracks Santa 2005 Web site.