Old-Time Christmas Tree

Included in the winter display at the Meeker County Museum is a small, rather sparse Christmas tree. Some of the branches are loose, the base is a bit wobbly, and many of the faux pine needles have seen better days. And yet, this tree is special in that it just might be the oldest artificial Christmas tree in Meeker County.

Museum's 100 year old Christmas tree

The tradition of Christmas trees began in Germany, but as deforestation started to become a concern, the Germans also became the first to make artificial Christmas trees. Some of the earliest fake versions were made out of metal or wood poles that were drilled with holes and filled with anything from real tree branches to green-painted feathers, or even hair and toilet brushes!

The idea of artificial trees spread, with the first trees being patented in the United States in the 1870s and 1880s. By the turn of the century, fake trees were becoming more popular. Not only could the trees be used for multiple years, but they were considered less of a fire hazard than real trees, especially when real candles were often used to decorate the branches.

As for the tree at the Museum, it was purchased by Harry and Em Peterson for their home in South Dakota sometime in the mid- to late-1920s. When looking back decades later, the couple couldn’t remember the exact price they paid for the tree, but a similar tree in the 1925 Montgomery Ward catalog sold for $1.67. At the time of their purchase, friends and family thought the price was excessive.

The tree came with the Petersons when they moved to Litchfield in 1940, and here it remained. Each year, the couple would place the tree in the front window of their home on East Fourth Street. The tree originally included red berries which fell off over the years, and the Petersons happily added their own decorations to the branches.

Christmas was a favorite time of year for the Petersons. In fact, Em Peterson called Santa her second favorite man, with her husband Harry being first on the list. Their small home was full of Christmas décor, most of which was stored under the bed for much of the year. As for the tree, they would wrap it up in a blanket and bring it to a friend’s attic for storage until the next Christmas rolled around.

The Petersons’ tree was donated to the Museum sometime in the 1980s or 90s. It used to be that the tree was put on display only for the holiday season at the Museum, but now it has found a permanent home in our winter display. Not only does this mean less wear and tear on the fragile tree, but it also means this unique bit of history can be seen year-round.