The white, fiberglass nativity figures stood atop the marquee at Sears, Roebuck and Company store on West Fourth Street for many years.
They were installed in the 1950s, after the Sears store opened at this location in the late 1940s.
On this day in 1974, the figures were removed for the last time, because the Sears store was closing at this location. A new Sears store was under construction at Hanes Mall, and it was thought that the nativity figures would not be used at the new store.
The figures were used again by Sears at the Sears Auto Store, also located at Hanes Mall.
Sears gave the nativity figures to the Children’s Home in 1987, and they were displayed on the lawn. After years of being displayed outside, plus moving and storing them, the figures were worn and ragged.
In 2007, Mary Walker Frye noticed their poor condition, and enlisted the help of her sisters to raise funds to refurbish the figures. They raised enough money to repair the 13 figures, add 12 new figures to the group, and pay for additional lights and a new manger.
The new and refurbished figures were lighted on the occasion of the Children’s Home tree lighting in 2007.
Seeing the enlarged nativity scene on the lawn of the Children’s Home during the Christmas season, recalls many warm memories of earlier years, when families made a trip downtown just to see the Sears marquee. It was one of the Christmas traditions in Winston-Salem.
Black & white photos courtesy of Forsyth County Public Library Photograph Collection. Color photo by Molly Grogan Rawls.
Such a lovely and important memory from my childhood. I am delighted to hear that the figures have been taken care of, restored and are lovingly displayed each year at the Children’s Home. Blessings + PAstor roy.
Thanks so much for your comment. I’m glad the nativity figures were rescued and restored as well.
I remember them being on top if the auto center. I am glad they are at the children’s home, what an appropriate home.
I was mesmerized as a child by the beautiful gigantic nativity at Sears downtown, I can still see it to this day up there and then the Barbie department inside! Sears = Christmas , thanks for sharing!