Whitman Publishing's 1963 "Manger Scene."
Soft colors and textures gives this manger a golden, vintage look.

Punch-out booklet from Whitman Publishing Co.

This 10" X 14" The Manger Scene is among the nicest of a number of synonymous offerings by Whitman Publishing, Racine, Wisconsin.

Originally priced at 29 cents, it can still be found on eBay and other Internet sites for a reasonable price. (I purchased mine on eBay for less than $10.)

It is one of the most fanciful creches I have ever seen, and the very first one I assembled as a 7th grader, when I still could not speak English.

The anonymous artist has painted the familiar scene in a most personal manner that lends even familiar creatures like donkeys and oxes a lean, stylized look.
The colors are soft, the textures golden, and the paper architecture captivating: a trapezoidal-shaped floor plan heightens the sense of perspective, and creates a beautiful manger. Look at the resplended peacock perched on the right wall; the trumpeter angel announcing the good news from the double arch high above the manger; the hen, rooster, and dove on the straw roof…

When build, this creche does not fold-up to be put away. But you just might be tempted to keep it out all year round.

Dimensions: Base 19" wide X 7" deep x 12" high. 8 4-color, pre-scored, glossy, heavy-stock pages to punch out.