In 1936, Greenfield Village Schools student Betty Hutchinson wrote this description of her visit to Santa’s Workshop:

There was just enough snow covering the ground to make a trip to Santa's workshop very enjoyable, so the students of Greenfield Village and Edison Institute schools started out in busses Monday evening, December 21.   After going a short distance we came to part of the Ford estate and there we found several bobsleds for us to ride in.  Each sleigh soon was filled with merry, happy students who, as the bobsleds skimmed over the snow, sang Christmas carols.  The moon was very bright that night and seemed to light our way through this wooded section.

Soon the sleighs came to a halt and we started walking. It was very easy to find our way because all along the way there were lighted lanterns.  On both sides of the road there was a zigzag fence, and the lanterns hung along the lane made a very picturesque sight.

We soon came in sight of a very neat-looking little cabin.

A tall Christmas tree with different colored lights stood beside it. As we approached the cabin, we could hear the voices of the younger children, who were receiving their presents and laughing gaily.

Santa was there with his many toys surrounding him. All over the workshop could be seen clever articles.

Each of the younger students was allowed to select the toy he wanted.  The older students received evening bags and more intricate games.  The high school students received perfume and manicure sets.  The gifts were very lovely and each student was delighted with his.  After the gifts were received and everyone had had a chat with Santa, it was announced that there was hot oyster stew awaiting in the other room. It was very delicious to be sure.

After some last words with Santa, we were away in the sleighs. The sleigh bells tinkled merrily until we came to the busses.

It was a lovely evening and we students extend our deepest appreciation and thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Ford who made this delightful event possible.