E34 1 Captain Santa, 5000 Trees, Zero Survival Instincts | The Rouse Simmons, Christmas Tree Ship episode artwork

EPISODE · Dec 17, 2025 · 1H 7M

E34 1 Captain Santa, 5000 Trees, Zero Survival Instincts | The Rouse Simmons, Christmas Tree Ship

from Ghost Binkers

In 1912, Chicago’s beloved “Captain Santa” ignored numerous red flags and loaded his ship, the "Rouse Simmons" with thousands of Christmas trees and tried to beat a storm back to his destination… Why? The man was on a mission. Unfortunately, that mission was cursed from the start. And yes, there is now an alleged ghost ship continuing his mission. But honestly, this episode isn't really about that, sorry Jr. Binkers. The details of how we got there are more interesting (and honestly more abundant). But stick around for an alternate form of spookiness on this episode of Ghost Binkers! For all things related to the podcast, head to ghostbinkers.com. Huge thank you to the authors of the stories we Binked! We read and react to ghost stories and articles for the purpose of humor and commentary under Fair Use. We credit all authors and sources, and while we poke fun, our intent is always playful and respectful. If you’re a copyright holder and want your work removed or changed, reach out — we’re happy to fix it! Ghouly Bites Main Source (https://www.wisconsinfrights.com/christmas-tree-ship/) Extra info (https://www.wanderingeducators.com/best/stories/shipwrecks-great-lakes-rouse-simmons-christmas-tree-ship) More Extra Info (https://www.hauntedrockford.com/the-ghost-ship-of-lake-michigan/) Schooner Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schooner) Why Friday is Bad Luck (https://www.seaofthieves.com/community/forums/topic/67290/superstitions-of-the-sea-fridays/2) Other topics/search tags rouse simmons, christmas tree ship, captain santa herman schooneman, lake michigan storm 1912, two rivers wisconsin point beach, sheboygan christmas trees washed ashore, message in a bottle friday everyone goodbye, rats fleeing ship omen, unlucky 13 crew, horseshoe luck nail turned down, kewaunee lifesaving station distress flag, kent bell richard diver 1971 wreck, ghost ship lantern in fog, christmas trees in shipwreck needles preserved, muppet christmas carol rizzo the rat, hms friday sailor superstition, captain santa fraud bit, concrete beach joke

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E34 1 Captain Santa, 5000 Trees, Zero Survival Instincts | The Rouse Simmons, Christmas Tree Ship

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This episode is 1 hour and 7 minutes long.

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This episode was published on December 17, 2025.

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In 1912, Chicago’s beloved “Captain Santa” ignored numerous red flags and loaded his ship, the "Rouse Simmons" with thousands of Christmas trees and tried to beat a storm back to his destination… Why? The man was on a mission. Unfortunately, that...

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