The Early Days of Artificial Christmas Trees
Did you know that artificial Christmas trees were once made of feathers and dyed green? In the early 1900s, feather trees were all the rage, especially in Germany. They were created as a way to avoid using real trees which were becoming scarce. Later on, manufacturers began using other materials like wood, aluminum, and PVC to make the trees we now see today.
Despite the initial skepticism around the idea of having a fake tree, their convenience, and the fact that they are reusable has made them increasingly popular. This has led to an entire industry around artificial trees, with companies producing a variety of styles and sizes to suit every need.
Vintage Artificial Christmas Trees in Museums
For those who appreciate vintage artifacts, museums are a treasure trove of historical artificial Christmas trees. One notable example is the cone-shaped silver aluminum tree on display at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. The tree is from the 1960s and was one of the earliest aluminum trees produced by the Aluminum Specialty Company.
The Canadian Museum of History in Ottawa is also home to a number of vintage artificial trees on display. These include a 1920s goose feather tree, a 1940s aluminum tree, and a 1960s revolving musical tree. The trees serve as a testament to the evolution of artificial Christmas trees over the years, as well as the craftsmanship that went into creating them.
There are also private collectors who have amassed impressive collections of vintage artificial Christmas trees. In some cases, they have collected hundreds of trees from various decades and manufacturers. These collectors are often passionate about preserving the history of artificial Christmas trees, and their collections serve as a valuable resource for researchers and enthusiasts alike.
In conclusion, artificial Christmas trees have come a long way since their humble beginnings as feather trees. Their popularity has led to an entire industry around them, with a wide variety of styles and sizes to choose from. For those interested in the history of artificial trees, museums and private collectors offer a glimpse into the past, with vintage artifacts that showcase the evolution of the artificial Christmas tree.