Ask the Experts

Friends of the Creche has assembled a panel of distinguished scholars on creche-related matters. Want to know what your creche is worth? Where it was made? Where to find a replacement piece? How to repair a damaged figure? Why your set includes an elephant? How to display your sets? What a santon is? Where the oldest three-dimensional creche in the world is located? How to say "creche" in Polish? We'll be happy to oblige. Give us a try to see if you can stump the experts.

Q. I recently purchased an old Victorian home. In the attic I found two old nativity sets with twenty pieces in each set. They are stamped "CSC". Some say they were made in Italy. What can you tell me about them?
B. D. of MA

A. Your set was cast in the United States by the Columbia Statuary Company. It dates between 1930 and 1950. The company is no longer extant. The set is made of painted plaster. Worth depends upon the condition of the pieces, size, and the skill of the artist. When not on display, store your set in a dry place at room temperature. Do not wrap it in bubble wrap or plastic. Cloth is best.

Q. I will be traveling to Montreal on business. Are there any creche exhibits in the area?
E. C.of CA

A. Yes indeed - and it's a very fine one. Be sure to visit the Museum at St. Joseph Oratory. It boasts the largest creche collection in Canada. The museum has other objects on display as well, but there are always creches so be seen. Even more creches go up during the Advent/Christmas season. And be sure to say "hello" to the Museum Director - our friend M. L'Abbe Bergeron. Mention Friends of the Creche and we have a hunch he will give you personal guided tour!

Q. I would like to display a large Nativity scene on my front lawn. Where might I find one?
L. D. of IO

A. Your search will be an easy one. Simply go to the yellow pages and look under religious goods for the nearest supplier. If they don't happen to have one on hand, they will order one for you. No religious goods store in your area? Stop in at any local church and ask where they get their church supplies. Now, here's a thought - if you find that an entire set costs more than you want to pay, why not just purchase a good-sized baby doll. It would look terrific on your front lawn placed in a basket with swaddling clothes, spot-lighted, and displayed under a lighted Christmas tree.