Badgerland Journal

The Christmas Tree Ship


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Lake Michigan has taken countless ships throughout it's history. Despite this, ships would attempt journeys from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to Chicago in the early winter months in order to bring Christmas trees to the city. One captain became so well known for this journey, he was given the nickname Captain Santa. However, his last journey ended in tragedy. Tune in to find out more about the history of the Christmas Tree Ship! Keep in touch on Facebook, Instagram, or send an email [email protected]


Sources:

“Capt Herman ‘Frank’ Schuenemann (1865-1912).” Find a Grave. Accessed June 15, 2023. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/15624716/herman-schuenemann.

Longacre, Glenn. “The Christmas Tree Ship.” National Archives and Records Administration, Winter 2006. https://www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/2006/winter/christmas-tree.html.

“Rouse Simmons.” Wisconsin Shipwrecks. Accessed June 15, 2023. https://www.wisconsinshipwrecks.org/Vessel/Details/541.

Trowbridge, Tony. “When the Christmas Spirit Foundered in Chicago.” Chicago Tribune, December 18, 2019. https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-per-flash-christmastreeship-1111-20121111-story.html.


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