Steve Williams is a member of the Ballston Spa club, which imported its trees from Canada this year for its annual fund-raiser. Williams, a retired 42-year reporter for the Daily/Sunday Gazette, was our speaker yesterday.
He talked about the history of Christmas trees, originating in Medieval passion plays when they held more religious significance. Their use at Christmas originated in Germany, and was first spread in the United States by immigrants from that country -- including some Hessian soldiers who fought for UK King George III but stuck around in the New World after their military defeat.
Williams noted the environmental benefits of natural trees, helping support farmers and open space. UK Queen Victoria and her German husband Prince Albert helped popularize the Christmas tree custom in the mid-19th century.
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