Spotlight: Pizza Month
October is designated National Pizza Month, giving Sangamon County residents 31 days to explore the multitude of pizza options in the area – from the ultrathin pies at Saputo’s, Papa Franks, Gabatoni’s, to Fulgenzi’s and Antonio’s, to Nancy’s Chicago-style deep dish to Casey’s breakfast pizza. Pizza has a long history. Ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans ate flatbread topped with herbs, oils, and other ingredients for a simple but filling meal. Modern pizza is said to have originated in Naples, Italy, during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Street vendors sold flatbreads topped with garlic, cheese, and other ingredients. Pizza Margherita, was reportedly created in 1889 for Queen Margherita of Italy. Its toppings of tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil represented the colors of the Italian flag. Italian immigrants brought pizza with them to the United States. Pizzerias initially opened in cities with large Italian communities, such as New York and Chicago. After World War II, pizza became increasingly popular across the U.S. Returning servicemen introduced the dish to their communities, where the idea thrived, due in part to its simple ingredients and adaptability.
National Pizza Month was founded in October 1984 by Gerry Durnell who owned a pizzeria in the small town of Santa Claus, Indiana, which has its own interesting history. Santa Claus is a small farming community in southwestern Indiana, approximately a four-hour drive from Sangamon County. The town was originally called Santa Fe. By the 1850s, it was large enough to apply for a Post Office; however, the town’s application was rejected because there was already another town named Santa Fe, Indiana. According to local legend, the townsfolk were gathered in a small log church on Christmas Eve discussing a new name for their town. As the adults struggled to find one that fit, several children ran through, shouting "Santa Claus!” and the name stuck. The new name was accepted by the United States Postal Service, and the Santa Claus, Indiana, Post Office was established on May 21, 1856.
The town gained national attention during the early 1900s and children from around the world began sending letters addressed to Santa Claus. In 1914, Postmaster James Martin started answering these letters, creating a tradition that continues today. Volunteers with the Santa Claus Museum & Village work with the local post office to answer tens of thousands of letters each year. For information on how to participate, please visit www.santaclausmuseum.org.
The town has also embraced its Christmas identity with various attractions. The first themed attraction was Santa’s Candy Castle, dedicated in 1935. The castle was sponsored by the Curtiss Candy Company, a Chicago-based company that invented the Baby Ruth in 1921 and the Butterfinger candy bar in 1923. A themed amusement park, Santa Claus Land, opened on August 3, 1946. Early visitors could enjoy a miniature circus, the House of Dolls, a restaurant, and of course, meet Santa Claus. The park continued to grow and add attractions. It became a popular vacation destination and actor Ronald Reagan stopped by in March 1955. In 1984, Santa Claus Land became Holiday World, and Splashin’ Safari, a waterpark, opened in 1993. Today, Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari are open from May to October continuing to immerse visitors in the “Santa Claus spirit.”
If you drive the four hours from Sangamon County to Santa Claus, Indiana and want some pizza there are many options, including Fat Santa’s Pizza. If you do enjoy pizza you are not alone. Pizza is one of the most popular food options in the United States with 350 slices eaten by the second and 13% of Americans eating pizza daily.
