In 1957, a small group of Mt. Pleasant residents started work on plans to erect a nativity and manger scene that would grace the center of town at the Doughboy square.
And the tradition that started 50 years ago continues.
To mark the milestone, Mt. Pleasant nativity chairwoman Cindy Underwood is creating a special historical and information display for the Mt. Pleasant Glass and Ethnic Festival.
Underwood's display will feature a chronological history of the display, including photographs, memorabilia, and written accounts of past committee members' involvement.
"I'd love to hear from anyone who has helped with the nativity over the years," Underwood said. "I want to learn as much as I can to get together the most complete display that I can."
Underwood has complete records since she took over the nativity scene 11 years ago, a little information dating back to the mid and early 80s, but little else that dates before 1983.
"The nativity was run just by a few volunteers for a year or two and I'd love to talk to them about this," Underwood said. "I'd like to talk to anyone who has information about the original statues. We really don't know anything about them."
The nativity committee is in the process of having the 17 statues of the present manger repaired and repainted.
After patching the fiberglass figures and sandblasting away the old paint, the nativity committee is finishing the final repairs to send the statues to be painted.
Underwood would also like any photos that have been taken over the years to use with the display.
"I'll gladly make arrangements to go someplace and pick them up or do whatever it would take to make it easier on them for me to get the pictures," Underwood said. "I'll make copies and return the originals."
All older photos, including family or holiday photos that may only show the manger in the background would be greatly appreciated.
"There is so much about them (statues) that I would like to find out about," Underwood said. "I'd like to get together as many photographs as possible."
Underwood was told that all of the original nativity worker volunteers were given a photo of the first nativity display. She's interested in locating one of these photos.
To mark the nativity's anniversary, Underwood and the committee are also having a special pewter ornament made.
Underwood has an old nativity ornament, dated 1984, second edition. She is also seeking additional information on the ornament's history, and also if and when a first edition ornament was ever created.
"We don't even know why these were made or who had them made," Underwood said. "I think maybe they were done as a fundraiser and I can't find out any information on one that was made before this.
"The nativity is an important part of our history here in town and I want people to see how it all came to be and how hard people worked in the past to keep it going. It's always been special to me and I'll keep it going, keeping it in the same place if possible, for as long as I am able."
To contact Underwood, phone 724-547-3386.
