It all started with a Santa suit...

When Con and Nellie Miller arrived in Fairbanks, Alaska in 1949, they had $1.40 in cash and two hungry kids. Determined to carve out a living in the new territory of Alaska, Con soon became a merchant and fur buyer in the surrounding villages. Donning an old red Santa suit, Con earned celebrity status as Santa Claus in the eyes of the village children - the first St. Nick many had ever seen.

By 1952, the Millers had decided to build a trading post thirteen miles south of Fairbanks, in an area newly dubbed "North Pole." One day, while hard at work on the new store, a young Alaskan boy recognized Con and asked, "Hello, Santa Claus! Are you building a new house?" Inspiration clicked...the new store would be called "Santa Claus House!"

Since 1952, both the Santa Claus House and the Miller family have experienced many changes. Santa Claus House has received international recognition and publicity from writers and newspapers the world over. The family tradition continues as following generations of Millers build on the past and look forward to the future.

If you should happen to be one of the thousands who visit Santa Claus House each year, you just might catch a glimpse of the Millers as they dash about performing their endless duties. But, whether sending letters to boys and girls around the world, or greeting visitors to their Santa Claus House, you know that when they wish you a "Merry Christmas!" they know what they're talking about!