Christmas Tree Ship is topic for Dec. 4 talk

November 25, 2025

Author and columnist Rochelle Pennington will discuss the sinking of the Rouse Simmons, aka the Christmas Tree Ship, on Thursday, Dec. 4.

The free program at the Rose-Harms American Legion Hall in Grafton will be held at 6 p.m.

One of the most well-known shipwrecks of the Great Lakes, the Rouse Simmons delivered evergreens to Chicago residents each Christmas season. The ship, fully loaded with trees, was caught in the Great Storm of 1912 and sank off Kewaunee on Nov. 23, 1912, with its crew onboard. 

The wreck of the Rouse Simmons is still loaded with its cargo today and is a popular Great Lakes dive site.

The program is sponsored by the Grafton Historical Society.

Refreshments and a cash bar will be available.

The Legion Hall is at 1540 13th Ave.

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Ozaukee Press

Wisconsin’s largest paid circulation community weekly newspaper. Serving Port Washington, Saukville, Grafton, Fredonia, Belgium, as well as Ozaukee County government. Locally owned and printed in Port Washington, Wisconsin.

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