Sunday, November 23, 2014

102nd Anniversay of the loss of the Christmas Tree Ship

DN-0006926, Chicago Daily News negatives collection, Chicago History Museum
Captain Herman Schuenemann (center)
Photo - Chicago History Museum 
November 23 is the anniversary of the loss of the Rouse Simmons (Chicago's Christmas Tree Ship) off of Two River's Point in Lake Michigan. Enroute from the U.P. of Michigan to Chicago, the ship sank in 1912, as a result of a powerful storm. The ship was rediscovered in 1971 in 172 feet of water with Christmas trees still in her hold. The ship was one of several Great Lake Schooners who made annual pilgrimages from the forests of Michigan/Wisconsin. Her loss heralded the decline of the practice by sailing vessel, which by the late 1920s, had all but ended. More information.
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3 comments:

  1. AnonymousNovember 28, 2014 at 8:41 AM

    FYI - The Christmas Schooner Play is being performed right here in Michigan. The Twin City Players will perform the musical on Dec. 19, 20,& 21, at Lake Michigan College in Benton Harbor.

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  2. SailMichiganNovember 28, 2014 at 10:07 AM

    Great - Thanks for letting us know. A bit too far for me, but it would be a great Christmas tradition to be able to go.

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  3. AnonymousNovember 30, 2014 at 5:31 PM

    Hey east side sailors, The Christmas Schooner play is also being performed at the PIX theatre in Lapeer, Michigan. The dates are Dec. 5-7 and Dec. 12 & 13.

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