History ...

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I don’t know but that is an awesome creepy santa

 

A lack of overweight candidates back then

 

Looks more like 1905 / 1906 to me.
Here is a 1905 Buick I used to own.

 

I'd guess 1903 - 04, really good mid size car Packard or Winton. The rear entrance door was a popular style back then, when chassis got longer there was room for side doors. Merry Christmas.

Here is a 1904 Knox for the view of the rear seating with a rear door.

Bob

 

If you zoom into the picture, the rear tires appears to have snow chains on them!

 

The popular Santa we know was introduced by CocaCola.
The car looks to be a taxi with that roof rack.
The coachwork shows signs of older influence, while the splash guards are newer style.

Merry Christmas

 

I have got to agree, that is one creepy Santa.

 

there were like 80 car manufacturers in 1902

 

Snow and MUD chains. Not a lot of paved roads in 1902. Makes sense.

 

It was a Sunday January 1st in 1905

 

Based on the sign on the chimney
Free Christmas dinner
Sunday January 1

 

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Thanks for taking the time to find and post the photos of the Winton and Packard, think the OP photo matches the Winton. The Packard is close to a sister car that was the first automobile to drive cross country with two men and Bud the Pitbull. Have a Happy New Year!

Bob
https://www.atlasobscura.com/articl...ry-road-trip-took-2-men-and-a-pitbull-63-days