The story of the Rouse Simmons, also known as the Christmas Tree Ship, has been told countless times over the last century. It’s a tale of working on a Great Lakes Schooner, bringing holiday cheer, and most importantly family. On November 23, 1912 the schooner carrying Christmas trees vanished off the coast of Two Rivers. Captain Herman Schuenemann and his 17 man crew were making their yearly voyage to Chicago to deliver the trees when the harsh November waters proved to be too much for the schooner and crew.