CHEBOYGAN, Mich. – The tradition started almost 100 years ago – pine trees, cut fresh from the woods of Northern Michigan, loaded onto the sailing vessel Rouse Simmons and shipped to families in Chicago.  Chicagoans became accustomed to purchasing their wreaths and trees this way as a festive start to the holiday season.  Tragedy temporarily ended the “Christmas Ship” when in 1912 the Rouse Simmons was lost in a blizzard along with 17 crewmembers and over 5000 trees.

Today, Chicago’s Christmas Ship is active as a charitable event organized by the Unified Marine Community of Chicago in cooperation with the United States Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw, a 290-foot icebreaker, home ported in Cheboygan, MI.  Part of Mackinaw’s Fall routine involves work-up trips in preparation for the icebreaking season.  In conjunction with the work-up trip to Chicago, Mackinaw is able to transport trees to be donated to Chicago’s disadvantaged families.  The icebreaker arrives in Chicago on December 5^th where it will be decorated with strings of lights to add to the festive atmosphere of this event. 

Additionally, the crew of the Mackinaw will distribute 100 trees throughout the northern Michigan area.  The Cheboygan Post of the Michigan State Police, Cheboygan County Sheriff’s Department, City of Cheboygan Department of Public Safety, Salvation Army, and northern Michigan Coast Guard units are working together to distribute these trees to disadvantaged families. 

The Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw has an active role in many charitable events including most recently the Haunted Ship which raised over 2,500 non-perishable food items donated to the Cheboygan Salvation Army Food Bank, and over 150 new children’s books donated to First Book.

The Mackinaw will be open for public tours in Chicago on December 6^th and 7^th from 1:30 to 5pm.

On December 3^rd, 2003 at 2pm, the media are invited to attend the loading of trees on the Mackinaw.  The 100 trees set aside for northern Michigan disadvantaged families will be turned over to local agencies at that time.

For more information contact ENS Nikki Wood at nwood@cgcmackinaw.uscg.mil  or          (216-310-7628).