Welcome to Putztown
Miniature Christmas world beckons in historic Bethlehem, Pa.
Have yourself a merry little, little, little Christmas in historic Bethlehem. In keeping with the holiday spirit of building a Moravian putz — a miniature, detailed model of the Nativity scene — a Bethlehem architect, artist and craftsman is presenting an expansion of that tiny world into an elaborate new exhibit called “Putztown.”
The two-floor, multi-room display can be experienced at The Bell House/Single Sisters House (56 W. Church St.), a few steps away from the Moravian Museum and 1741 Gemeinhaus.
“Putztown” is the amazing creation of Jim Whildin, a retired architect and longtime Bethlehem resident. His creative vision and gifted hands built this wonderland over a few years.
It’s not easy to describe. Envision a traditional putz, then re-imagine it as a miniature village and theme park super-developed with hotels, restaurants, shops, entertainment centers, schools, and much more. And then a bit more.
It’s as if hundreds of diminutive visitors and tourists have descended upon the make-believe town to witness the Putz miracle network. It happened around Disneyland in California, and now it’s happening in Bethlehem — in miniature form through mid-January.
“At some point, a putz becomes just as large as it can, but you still want to build more buildings,” explains Whildin. “That happened to me. So I expanded my putz to include scenes from the life and teachings of Christ. Still wanting to build, I asked the (late Central Moravian Church) Rev. Douglas Caldwell what to do. He suggested including the spread of Christianity around the world and the settlement of Bethlehem by the Moravians.”
Whildin didn’t need much
encouragement to begin building this imaginary mammoth metropolis. The master builder has enthusiasm and energy to spare. His wonderland project must be seen to be believed.
Downtown Putztown’s major buildings were modeled on those in Bethlehem, and include an amusement park and circus. Another room reveals a residential area, motel/campground/ sports areas, a Wild West park, a Fairy Tale park, a historic area (replicating Bethlehem’s Historic Area) and an international area.
For the past 10 years, Whildin has worked with builder Mike Cox to construct the putzes that Historic Bethlehem has displayed. Cox worked with Whildin to create these theme rooms using 119 buildings Whildin has crafted over the last seven years
The large traditional putz, built yearly in the Sisters’ House, features the museum’s beautiful handcarved wooden figures. The downtown model includes carriage rides, the Goundie House Advent Calendar, the holiday shopping huts on Bethlehem’s Main Street, and the lighting of the City Christmas tree. Tiny carolers crowd the streets, Santa is on hand and young ones feed Santa’s reindeer. You get the idea.
Whildin’s imagination knows no limits. His massive exhibit also pays homage to some legendary historic structures. Just for fun, he tossed in detailed models of Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, the Bauhaus (Dessau), Fallingwater, Villa Savoie, the Sydney Opera House, and several buildings by Lecorbusier — including the Chapel at Romchamps (Whildin’s favorite).
“Putztown” is open 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday-Sunday and Monday-Wednesday by appointment at The Bell House, 56 W. Church St., Bethlehem. Tours of the Moravian Museum and the Putztown Miniature World are $12 for adults and $6 for children. Information: historicbethlehem.org.