About this Blog: Bread making recipes, knit and crochet projects, wood working, gardening, digital imaging, travel, cruise ships, Labrador Retrievers, and more....

About the Header Image: Idlebrook Wendy Darling Evensen "Wendy" one of our four Labrador Retrievers.

Click the header image to see most current posts.

Sunday, December 25, 2011

The Nativity Display by Western & Southern Life Insurance Company Since 1939

Good morning and Merry Christmas!

Beside the Krohn Conservatory in Cincinnati is the Nativity Display that has been sponsored by the Western & Southern Life Insurance Comapny since 1939.
You can't see much from the outside any more.  You used to be able to see the Holy Family inside from the street.  Perhaps that has been changed to be politically correct....
Live animals are part of the display.  I can't help but think of knitting when I see these pretty sheep.
To enter the display, you walk around to the side.
When we walked inside the lady ahead of us said, "Ewww, it smells like a barn...."  Well, yes, it is supposed to smell like a barn.  I found the smell of the hay quite pleasant.
Looking out of the front of the the building we can see the four sheep grazing.  At night they are brought in for warmth and safety.
 The display is quite realistic and beautiful.  Behind the figures is a live donkey.
 The display also includes items showing how people lived with the animals.
 At the exit is a place to leave a donation for those less fortunate.  How appropriate.

I've been visiting this display every year since I was a child.  It's a part of celebrating Christmas in Cincinnati.

All the best for a joyful Christmas,
Lois

14 comments:

Sherry said...

What a beautiful post, Lois. Thanks for sharing. It is refreshing to see a display like this that has withstood the test of time and politics.

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful tradition. Thank you for sharing your visit with us. Merry Christmas, Lois.

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

Very appropriate post to read on Christmas, thanks for sharing Lois. Grenville and I wish you and Kjell and your family a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. We have enjoyed reading of your travels and live this past year.

TexWisGirl said...

'smells like a barn'? oh, go home! :)

Jan n Jer said...

This is a very meaningful tradition! May we never forget what this day is really all about!(for Christians anyway) Thanks for sharing Lois and enjoy the wonder of today!

Marit Johanne said...

What a beautiful nativity display, thank you for sharing!

Michele said...

What a lovely display. Thank you for sharing it! Have a Merry Christmas Lois.

Reena said...

what a wonderful tradition! Merry Christmas!

Kelly said...

I recognize this place! ;-) We usually go every Winter's Solstice, but this year my parents were both sick. We're heading down later this week. I heard they changed the train in the Krohn so it's spread out now instead of the music box form. Hope you had a Merry Christmas!

Yogi♪♪♪ said...

Great post, that company should be commended for being steadfast through the years. I bet there was all sorts of pressures over the years to cut it out of the budget.

Christmas-etc... said...

Beautiful...!
(Don't you think "politically correct" is well, wrong?!)
Hope your Christmas time is full of love and laughter and many many blessings!
Thanks for this lovely posting!
Ann

Montanagirl said...

Great post! That is just lovely, and a wonderful tradition.

Anonymous said...

I've never seen anything quite like it! IT'S WONDERFUL!! Such a great tradidion and since 1939!! wow! ...and I personally LOVE the smell of barns...debbie

Elaine said...

Lovely Nativity display. You used to see things like this a lot, and I'm glad to see the tradition carried on by this company. Having the live animals would make it come alive.