The Christmas Tree Ship

Describes the annual voyage of the Rouse Simmons ship bearing Christmas trees to Chicago, highlighting its final tragic voyage in 1912, when the captain, crew, and cargo were all lost, and the ship's wreckage not recovered until 1971.

On November 21, 1912, the schooner Rouse Simmons set sail from a small northern Michigan town across Lake Michigan. Affectionately dubbed the "Christmas Tree Ship," this was an annual trek for the Rouse Simmons.

With its cargo of Christmas trees, the ship was bound for Chicago.

There Captain Herman Scheunemann would sell the trees for 50 cents or $1.00 and even gave many away to needy families. But the schooner never makes its destination. The Rouse Simmons, with all hands and cargo, disappears into the cold waters.

The ship's wreckage is not found until 1971.

Drawing from stories told by her grandfather, author Carol Crane weaves a fictional tale based on the true events of the doomed schooner. And she explains how the captain's widow went on to continue his tradition of delivering holiday trees to Chicago.