Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

The Enchanted Village at Jordan Marsh, which was there since the 1940’s, closed in 1972. It reopened again at Jordan’s furniture in Avon in 1990. Here were some memories of the wonderful Christmas tradition. The animatronic vintage Christmas themed scenes are part of my childhood holiday memories. The following recollections are from those who remember those magical visits to The Enchanted Village.

• I remember going there with my mom. After visiting with Santa, they gave you a sturdy toy! Not a cheap coloring book like they give today! I remember getting a tea set one year and a toy cleaning set another year (carpet sweeper, broom, etc. – they actually worked). Then afterwards we would either go to Jordan’s or Filene’s luncheonette for lunch! Also, we would look at the Christmas windows of Jordan’s, Filene’s, and Gilchrist’s! Great times.
• Enchanted village was so awesome. Blueberry muffins were the best. I still have my sparkling Christmas stocking from Jordan Marsh. We would go every year and take our picture with the Santa Claus then walk and see the lights through the Boston common and to dinner at Marliare’s.
• Jordan Marsh had an enormous toy carousel on the way to see Santa. To this day I remember it. I wanted that toy throughout my childhood. We also would stop at the bakery for blueberry muffins!
• Magic! Going into Boston with my mom to see it. Then seeing Santa after! It was amazing, I loved every minute of it.
• So vivid! I went in every year with my Yiayia. Jordan’s furniture in Avon actually has the Enchanted Village. I took my son back a few years ago not expecting it to be the same. Once I saw them, I couldn’t stop smiling ear to ear at the flood of memories.
• My mom took me and my sisters every year and was always amazed by the whole village, but I liked meeting Santa and having our picture taken with him.
• Getting all dressed up and taking the train in. All the beautiful window displays before you even got in to the village.
• My paternal grandmother that lived with us took me into Boston to see Santa every year. After I saw Santa, she took me to the toy section to pick out any doll I wanted. I remember Vogue Dolls were the ones to get so that’s what I got. We would then stop at Kresge to buy a BBQ rotisserie chicken to bring home with us. One of my best memories with the best grandmother ever!
• Dressing the three kids in their Sunday best and going into Boston to wait in a long line to see the beautiful Christmas display.
• I worked at Jordan Marsh at Downtown Crossing as a stock boy in the China department and remember them setting up the Enchanted Village and I got a first-hand taste of the blueberry muffins when they come out of the ovens. Oh, what memories of the old days!

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this story.