When a family-owned business has been around for 65 years, there are always new discoveries.
By that I mean … we’re forever finding precious old photos and mementos tucked away in odd places.
The other day, Mrs. Koch bounded into my office carrying a big box.
Look what we just found in the attic over Liberty Bell!
It was, indeed, a treasure trove of Koch and Santa Claus Land memories.
They’re one and the same, really. Can’t separate family photos from park photos.
There were old photos, slides, movies …
And this:
Now why in the world would we have an old menu in storage?
And one that’s written on, for heaven’s sake!
Here’s the story…
In 1955, Bill Koch (five years before he married Santa’s daughter, Pat Yellig) went on an around-the-world tour. He was quite the adventurer and enjoyed himself immensly. Nowadays, he would probably have been a blogger, but back then, he typed up “letters to home” about his trip, which were eventually made into a book for his family members.
While in Rome (sorry, couldn’t resist) … Mr. Koch dined at the famous Ristorante Alfredo.
Yes, that Alfredo
Honest, this is Alfredo. This is the wonderful Italian who created the soothing mixture of noodles, butter and parmigiano cheese to help his expectant wife regain her appetite (Alfredo II was on the way, after all).
Alfredo loved to make theater when he prepared his pasta dish for others.
Mangia!
Although not a boisterous man, Bill Koch instinctively knew how to promote. He put Santa Claus, Indiana, on the map.
Can’t help but wonder if that delicious plate of pasta, prepared with a proud flourish, might have inspired him in any way.
We lost that wonderful man not quite a decade ago. Nathan and Mrs. Koch are working on a tribute video, which we’ll post here in a week or so.
Meanwhile, for those of you who are intrigued by the menu cover, we scanned the inside and back for you.
Buon divertimento!
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