Tree Ship News Today

A skipper nicknamed "Captain Santa" helmed the "Christmas Tree Ship" — and went down with its holiday shipment when the vessel sank in 1912.

A skipper nicknamed "Captain Santa" helmed the "Christmas Tree Ship" — and went down with its holiday shipment when the vessel sank in 1912.

When it comes to odd holiday traditions, Illinois is closely linked to three of the weirdest ones.

        On Saturday, Dec. 2, from 1-4 p.m. the National Museum of the Great Lakes, in partnership with Geo. Gradel Co., invites individuals to join a holiday tradition by welcoming back the ”Christmas Tree Ship.”

When it comes to odd holiday traditions, Illinois is closely linked to three of the weirdest ones.

When it comes to odd holiday traditions, Illinois is closely linked to three of the weirdest ones.

When it comes to odd holiday traditions, Illinois is closely linked to three of the weirdest ones.

Capturing 175 years of Chicago history with Tribune stories, photos and front pages.

Bound for Chicago with a load of Christmas trees, the Rouse Simmons left Thompson, Michigan, on Nov. 12, 1912, but never made it to its destination.

SUGARCREEK  The nomadic lifestyle of actors as they pursue their dreams on stage makes adjusting to life in Amish Country easier to take as they settle in for the summer production of "The Best of Me." Bobby Hall Jr., of Bluefield, West Virginia, Caroline Clay of Greenup, Kentucky, and Connor Murphy-White from Greenville, Alabama, all call Sugarcreek home this summer as they act and sing in several shows a week through Oct. 28. The cast members are part of the production team of Blue Gate M...