Harold “Hap” Arnold, a Tucson radio and television personality, was the model for the Santa Claus used in some Coca-Cola ads. The illustrator for the Coca-Cola ads, Haddon Sundblom wintered in Tucson at the Westward Look Resort. In 1950, Haddon Sundblom asked Harold “Hap” Arnold if he would model for some of the Coca-Cola ads. In 1953, Haddon Sundblom also used the two daughters of Westward Look’s former owner as models for a Coca-Cola ad. The names of the two girls who modeled for the ad were Lani and Sancy Nason.
Sources:
“Artist found Santa in Tucson.” Arizona Daily Star. December 17, 2000. Page B1. (This article also has a picture of the Coca-Cola Santa Claus ad.)
Westward Look Resort web site: http://www.westwardlook.com/info.aspx?nav=history (This web page is no longer available as of 06/11/2009)
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