¿ìÉ«ÊÓƵ

Did you know that the first mention of Santa's Reindeer was in 1823 in a poem entitled Old Santeclaus with Much Delight? So, in 1901, that first Christmas after the Lucas Gusher, the children would have been watching for Santa's reindeer.

"One thing we like to do in Gladys City is to take people back in time. We want people to imagine that first Christmas after the Lucas Gusher blew and the excitement people must have felt," said Museum Director Troy Gray.

The event takes place Dec. 9 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. when the gusher will blow. On that day, visitors will be able to make their own burlap reindeer ornament during the Christmas in Boomtown event. Along with making ornaments, visitors will be able to sing carols, hear the Night Before Christmas along with the Old Santeclaus poem, send letters to Santa, and see Gladys City's decorations.

From Friday, December 1 through Sunday, December 10, every visitor who brings 3 or more non-perishable food items to donate to the Southeast Texas Food Bank will receive free admission.

The admission fee for those unable to bring food items is $5 for adults, $3 for senior citizens and $2 for children under 12. The Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum is located on the corner of Jimmy Simmons Boulevard and Cardinal Drive on the ¿ìÉ«ÊÓƵ campus.

For more information, call (409) 880-1750 or visit .