NOTE: The photo above is actually Ron with Santa Claus from 1973.

WHO: Ron “Duff” Martin, 40
WHAT: Teacher at South Middle School
LIVES: Town of Washington
IN THE CITY FOR: 21 years

Ron Martin is, first and foremost, a proud history teacher at South Middle School in Eau Claire. As such, Ron has always enjoyed learning about other cultures. As some people know, Ron has a famous affinity for St. Nicholas. After learning about Santa Claus’ rich cultural history around the globe, he was inspired to collect Santa figurines at 7 or 8 years old. Now, he has accrued about 4,000 of them, from all over the world. “There is something magical about this man,” he said, “how he continues to inspire and motivate the young and the old, generation after generation.”

What is your most memorable Santa moment? My mom was a factory worker and each year the company had a company family Christmas party at Telemark Lodge in Cable, WI and a highlight of the party was when Santa arrived and all the children received a small bag full of goodies. The anticipated arrival of jolly old Saint Nick was very exciting.

Have you ever thought of becoming a Santa yourself? No, although if I don’t watch my weight I may get the job by default!

Who’s your favorite Santa (Coca Cola, movie portrayal, claymation specials, etc.)? Is there one that really bothers you? I’ve enjoyed the portrayal of Kris Kringle by Edmund Gwen in the 1947 version of Miracle on 34th St. and Richard Attenborough in the 1994 version. I really can’t think of any portrayals that I didn’t care for. I’ve always loved the claymation characters.

Is it hard to find new Santa figures every year? Will you ever feel like you’ve got enough? They are everywhere. Santa Claus is a timeless figure and no, I will never feel I have enough because each year I keep finding new ones that are so intriguing or unique.
When do you start decorating your house for the holidays? It takes two full weekends to complete the set-up of all the Santas. There are big ones, little ones, medium sized ones; you name it, I have it. I get accused all the time of going over the top, but I don’t care; it’s fun, it’s festive, and it is constant reminder to me of what this season is all about: giving!

What frustrates you about the Chippewa Valley? Lack of support for community activities like the Memorial Day Parade (city and county boards eliminating all the funds for it), Sawdust City Days (loss of the sponsor). It just seems as if there is no pride in our community. It’s a great place. We have great public schools; our homes are nice; our neighborhoods are clean; it is a beautiful city, there is so much to see and do. This community needs to come together and support that things that make us who we are.

What is your favorite piece of Eau Claire or local trivia? I love the history of the EC public schools – I love looking at pictures of the old schools. There aren’t many “old schools” left (Central Administration, Lincoln, Longfellow), but there is something magical about the buildings that I enjoy.

On your death bed, you get one meal from a local restaurant, what would it be?  Super Nachos from Taco John’s.

Bigger Christmas figure: Santa Claus or Jesus? Santa Claus. He is able to cross the lines of religion!

What holiday movie would you recommend to city council? It’s A Wonderful Life!

If you could magically add one shop to the area, what would it be? An antique super mall!!

Favorite Oakwood Mall store? Scheels. I love sports and I coach a variety of them.

What sort of economic development would you like to see in our area? Expansion of our college and the programs they offer. This will bring more students to the Eau Claire Area. Continue to promote and support retail.

Egg nog or hot chocolate? Hot chocolate

Why not the Easter Bunny? There’s just something creepy about the Easter Bunny – not exactly sure what it is, but not for me!!