Dive into the remarkable tale of the Rouse Simmons, known as Chicago's original "Christmas Tree Ship," and explore how this early 1900s tradition continues to captivate hearts today. Join Dr. Theodore Karamanski and CAPT Scott Smith (USCG, ret) as they unravel the history of a trade where, as Dr. Karamanski puts it, "Sailing the lakes in November and December was literally participating in a lottery of death. But the profits could be considerable...” Uncover the legacy of a daring maritime tradition that brought holiday cheer and its enduring spirit in modern times, in this special holiday episode of North Coast Chronicles.