This heartwarming yet tragic Christmas-themed podcast episode tells the story of Captain Santa, Herman Scheunemann, a Chicago schooner captain celebrated for his generosity in providing Christmas trees to those in need. In 1912, during his last voyage aboard the Rouse Simmons, carrying thousands of trees, disaster struck on Lake Michigan, resulting in the loss of his life and 22 others. Despite this heartbreaking event, Captain Santa's spirit of kindness endures, honored each year by the Coast Guard's delivery of Christmas trees to underprivileged children in Chicago.
