In this episode, Lindsay tells the story of the Christmas Tree Ship, the schooner Rouse Simmons. Known for bringing thousands of Christmas trees from Michigan to Chicago, the ship’s captain, Herman Schuenemann, affectionately called “Captain Santa” became a beloved figure for his generosity and holiday spirit. In November 1912, the ship vanished during a violent Great Lakes storm, never reaching port. We explore the ship’s final voyage, the mystery surrounding its sinking, and the heartwarming legacy Captain Santa left behind.
References:
Chicago’s Christmas Ship. (n.d.). https://www.christmasship.org/
Habermehl, K. (2024, December 6). Christmas Tree Ship arrives at Navy Pier with 1,200 trees for Chicago families. CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/coast-guard-christmas-tree-ship-navy-pier-2024/
History. (n.d.). https://www.christmasship.org/?option=com_content&view=article&id=50&Itemid=55
The Christmas Tree ship. (2023, January 26). National Archives. https://www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/2006/winter/christmas-tree.html
Flores-Ruiz, S. (n.d.). The Ghost Ship from a Christmas Past. Simpson Street Free Press. https://simpsonstreetfreepress.org/special-series/shipwrecks/Christmas-Tree-Ghost-Ship#:~:text=Regrettably%2C%20rescue%20teams%20failed%20to,during%20the%20joyous%20holiday%20season
Ahmed, Z. (2025, February 12). The epic tale of the Christmas Tree ship Rouse Simmons. Marine Insight. https://www.marineinsight.com/know-more/the-epic-tale-of-the-christmas-tree-ship-rouse-simmons/
Coast Files Podcast 