POW Nativity Scene

The world famous Nativity Scene created by German prisoners at Camp Algona. Eduard Kaib, an architect and non-commissioned officer of the German Army, was lonely and felt the isolation deeply as he thought about home, family, services in his church and happy festivities of the holiday. This loneliness and need were the inspiration for th NATIVITY SCENE. The scene was begun in the fall of 1944. Kaib and his friends who were also prisoners, worked many long hours to create the sacred designs. Made of concrete on a wire frame and finished with hand carving in plaster, the SCENE has considerable intricate detail and is highly realistic. Materials for the figures, built to scale at half life-size, were purchased by the prisoners with their own money. Kaib and the men finally completed their project and had it ready for display in December, 1945, more than a year after it was begun. It was set up on the edge of the camp west of Algona where it was easily accessible for the public to view. A tradition had begun! This attraction has been seen by thousands for over 60 years. Located at the Kossuth County Fairgrounds in Algona, it is open beginning the first Sunday in December through December 31st. The hours are weekdays & Saturdays 2:00 - 9:00 pm. Sundays & Christmas Day, Noon - 9:00 pm and it closes at 6:00 pm on December 31st. It is also open by request for out of state visitors by calling 515-295-7519.