December 22, 2004

  • A Forgotten Landmark



    Every Christmastime of late, and sometimes even upon the Eve, I have visited the site of the very first public Christmas tree in America and have stood there contemplating the possible meaning(s) of Christmas.




     


    But it’s funny because, though there’s a plaque in commemoration, there is no tree!You’d think the community would embrace the holiday spirit and celebrate the location of the first historic Christmas tree in America with a grand re-creation and festive lighting ceremony.But no. Alone, I arrive in darkness (virutal, if not actual) each Christmas and alone I have always remained.  For the site, besides the mundane plaque, is entirely forgotten and totally uncelebrated.And yet a billion dollar industry in the sale of Christmas trees and tree ornaments has spun/spawned from it, to say nothing of the joy that the 'tannenbaum' has given us all at this time of year .Oh, how quickly we forget!


     


    Here’s the story about the controversy and scandal that the first public Christmas tree in America caused.


     


    And here is the actual record of the first decorated private tree…but it was Schwan’s tree described above that launched the tradition in America.  In any case, it all started in northern Ohio.  Woohoo for my neck of the woods.

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