by Journey, age 9 from Woonsocket, Rhode Island, asks Santa about sturdy outdoor figures, the Blackstone River, and the town’s mill history.
Dear Santa, my name is Journey, and I am nine years old. I live in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, where my grandma says our town used to have huge textile mills running day and night.
Dear Journey, a town with mills that busy deserves a very hardworking, appreciative flyover, your grandma picked a truly industrious hometown.
Santa, I have three questions.
Is there a fiberglass Santa? My uncle wants a big sturdy one that can stay outside all winter long.
There certainly are fiberglass versions of me out there, Journey, sturdy enough to stand outside through wind, rain, and snow. Your uncle sounds like he has a wonderfully practical idea for the yard.
My grandma says Woonsocket sits along the Blackstone River. Is that true?
It is true, Journey, the Blackstone River flows right through your town, an important part of its industrial history. I always follow that glimmering path to help find my way to your rooftop.
My grandma says textile mills once employed a huge number of people in this region. Is that true?
It is true, Journey, textile mills shaped much of the region’s economy and daily life for generations. That kind of steady, hardworking history is really something worth admiring.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Journey Alcott
Woonsocket, Rhode Island
P.S. Will you stand outside with the fiberglass Santa for a photo this year?
Only briefly, Journey, my own suit keeps me plenty warm without the extra help.
