Storybook Lane support sought

Throughout the Christmas season, thousands of cars full of kids and families make the slow drive through Storybook Lane in New Philadelphia’s Tuscora Park. It’s a holiday tradition that dates back more than 60 years from its start on the front lawns of homes on East High Avenue.

All those who enjoy Storybook Lane can help to ensure its future by becoming a Friend of Storybook Lane. For a donation of $100, the Rotary Club of New Philadelphia will place your family or business name on one of the Friends boards for three years. The funds are used by the Rotary Club to help pay for the ongoing restoration of the Mother Goose nursery rhyme characters, animations, verse boards and lighting.

The brightly painted Mother Goose characters depict the classic nursery rhymes such as “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” “Humpty Dumpty” and others. The lighted display will be open nightly in Tuscora Park during the month of December and the first days of January.

Patrick Warther, president of the Rotary Club of New Philadelphia, said Storybook Lane was adopted by the club in 2003 when its members completely renovated the 24 Mother Goose characters that were nearly 50 years old at the time and in poor condition.

“The character boards were repaired and repainted, missing parts replaced, and the moving mechanisms and motors were repaired or replaced,” Warther said. “All new lighting was provided for the display, along with verse boards to help children learn the rhymes.”

Club member Tom Police is chairman of the Storybook Lane project and said it enjoys great community support. “All the 24 character scenes are fully sponsored for another year, but we always welcome additional names to be added to the Friends boards,” Police said.

To become a Friend of Storybook Lane, go to the Rotary Club’s website at www.newphiladelphiarotary.com and download the Friend Donation Form or send a check for $100, payable to the New Philadelphia Rotary Club, to P.O. Box 331, New Philadelphia, OH 44663. Friend listings are limited to a total of 40 letters and spaces. Forms and payments must be received no later than Nov. 30.

Warther said sponsors and Friends already listed on the Storybook Lane display will receive advance notice in the coming years either by postal mail or email with the first chance to renew their place in the display.