Chicago Christmas Tree Ship

Advent is nearly upon us.  While this coming Sunday is Advent 1, the elves at Grace, Long Rapids, have been busy for nearly three weeks making wreathes.  Most sellers, whether small shops or big box stores, offer wreathes so thin they hardly disguise the metal ring supports under the greenery.  However, Grace Church's crew turns out the fullest, most attractive Christmas wreathes I've ever seen, and at prices which are just as attractive.

Our desire for natural greens at Christmas is a European import.  Starting in the late 19th century a lot of people made at least part of their living by satisfying this desire for real greens at the holidays.  Consider the Rouse Simmons, otherwise known as the Chicago Christmas Ship, and its skipper, Herman E. Schuenemann.  They became a Great Lakes legend, and then in 1912 were lost in a raging November storm on Lake Michigan.

The Rouse Simmons (Wikimedia Photo)

Herman Schuenemann (center) and crew members
standing with their Christmas trees.

It's a fascinating story — with a Grand Haven tie-in!  For more information, go to:

The Christmas Tree Ship

A blessed Advent to all my family and friends! •••