WISCONSIN HERITAGE COLLECTION

WHC-034 — THE GHOST SHIP ROUSE SIMMONS

Every November, Captain Herman Schuenemann loaded his schooner with thousands of evergreen trees and sailed south across Lake Michigan. Known as "Captain Santa," he brought Christmas trees to Chicago families and often gave them to churches and people who could not afford one.

In November 1912, the Rouse Simmons departed on what would become its final voyage. A violent storm swept across the lake, and the heavily loaded schooner disappeared with everyone aboard. Christmas trees later washed onto Wisconsin's shoreline, but the ship remained hidden beneath the water near Two Rivers for almost six decades.

The tragedy soon became part of Lake Michigan folklore. Sailors told of a three-masted schooner appearing suddenly through the mist — its sails torn, its lanterns glowing, and its deck still carrying evergreens — before vanishing back into the storm.

WHC-034 brings that haunting legend to life as the Rouse Simmons surges through supernatural waves, carrying the memory of Captain Santa, his lost crew, and the Christmas voyage that never reached its destination.

Refuse to Be Ignored.

PRODUCT FEATURES

• Original Crave Designss historical artwork
• Wisconsin Heritage Collection release WHC-034
• Research-based artistic representation
• Highly detailed, creator-ready digital artwork
• Background removed for flexible creative placement
• High-resolution PNG format
• Digital delivery
• No physical product will be shipped

Ideal for Wisconsin history projects, heritage publications, educational displays, commemorative designs, creator projects, and historically inspired visual storytelling.