Stuff You Should Know - Short Stuff: Captain Santa
The episode tells the story of Captain Santa, a nickname for Hermann Schoenemann, who was known for his generosity in giving away Christmas trees to those in need. He sailed the Rouse Simmons, a schooner loaded with Christmas trees, from Michigan to Chicago. This tradition was popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as Christmas trees were in high demand but hard to come by in Chicago. Unfortunately, during a voyage in November 1912, the Rouse Simmons was lost in a storm on Lake Michigan, resulting in the death of Captain Santa and up to 23 others. Despite the tragedy, Captain Santa's family continued the tradition of delivering Christmas trees to Chicago for several years. The episode also touches on the legacy of Captain Santa, including a Coast Guard tradition of delivering Christmas trees to disadvantaged children in Chicago in his honor.
Key Points:
- Captain Santa, Hermann Schoenemann, was known for giving away Christmas trees to those in need.
- The Rouse Simmons, a schooner, delivered Christmas trees from Michigan to Chicago in the early 1900s.
- In November 1912, the Rouse Simmons was lost in a storm on Lake Michigan, resulting in the death of Captain Santa and others.
- Captain Santa's family continued the tradition of delivering Christmas trees to Chicago after his death.
- The U.S. Coast Guard commemorates Captain Santa's legacy by delivering Christmas trees to disadvantaged children in Chicago.
Details:
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2. 🎄 A Christmas Episode with Captain Santa
- The episode is released on December 25th, aligning with Christmas Day.
- The story involves a maritime disaster, continuing a theme from previous episodes.
- In Chicago, around the turn of the last century, a unique tradition involved a sailing ship loaded with Christmas trees and lights, serving as a temporary Christmas tree lot.
- The schooner, Rouse Simmons, was known for its captain, nicknamed Captain Santa, who would give free Christmas trees to those in need.
- The maritime disaster involved the sinking of the Rouse Simmons, which was a significant event in the history of this Christmas tradition.
- Captain Santa's legacy continued to inspire charitable acts during the holiday season, emphasizing the spirit of giving.
3. 🌲 The Tradition of Christmas Tree Ships
3.1. Historical Context of Christmas Tree Demand
3.2. Logistics of Christmas Tree Transportation
3.3. Economic Challenges and Captain Santa
4. ⚓ The Final Voyage of the Rouse Simmons
- Captain Schooneman, despite a failed saloon business, focused on captaining the Rouse Simmons as much as possible.
- He was known for his generosity and jolliness, earning the nickname 'Captain Santa' from Chicago papers.
- The Rouse Simmons was heavily loaded with Christmas trees, described by witnesses as a 'floating forest.'
- This voyage in mid-November was the last possible time of the year to cross the Great Lakes, specifically Lake Michigan.
- The trip marked the final journey for both Captain Schooneman and the Rouse Simmons.
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6. 🌊 The Tragic Fate of the Rouse Simmons
- On November 22, 1912, the Rouse Simmons set sail with 3,000 to 5,000 Christmas trees but was lost in a storm, marking a tragic maritime disaster.
- This incident mirrored a previous tragedy from November 1898, where August, the older brother, perished in a similar accident involving Christmas trees.
- A life-saving station at Keewaunee, Wisconsin, attempted to signal for help, but their motorboat was unavailable, delaying rescue efforts.
- A motorboat from Two Rivers was dispatched, but it was too late to save the Rouse Simmons.
- The ship disappeared in a storm, and its location remained unknown for nearly 50 years.
- Despite hopes that it might have reached safety, the ship never arrived in Chicago as planned.
- In the weeks following the disappearance, Christmas trees from the ship washed ashore on the Wisconsin coastline, confirming the ship's fate.
7. 🧭 Discoveries and Legends of the Rouse Simmons
7.1. Tragic Loss and Personal Artifacts
7.2. Continuation of Tradition
7.3. Legends and Preservation
7.4. Discovery of the Wreck
8. 🎅 Captain Santa's Legacy and Commemoration
- The evergreen scent is present near Barbara's gravesite at Acacia Park Cemetery in Chicago, symbolizing Captain Santa's enduring legacy.
- The tragedy involved 23 souls aboard, including Captain Santa, and the loss of 5,000 live trees, marking a significant event in Chicago's history.
- Captain Santa was beloved, and his loss was widely mourned in Chicago, demonstrating his deep connection with the community.
- A legend tells of a little girl waiting for Captain Santa to bring her a Christmas tree, highlighting his impact on the community and the personal connections he fostered.
- The U.S. Coast Guard cutter Mackinac commemorates the Ralph Simmons journey by bringing Christmas trees to disadvantaged kids in Chicago every December, continuing Captain Santa's mission of spreading joy.
- Glenn V. Longacre wrote a notable article in 2006 about this story in the National Archives' prologue magazine, ensuring the story's preservation and recognition.