Nova Scotia and Boston’s Christmas tradition dates back one century
On Dec. 6, 1917, the Halifax explosion created thousands of casualties, and stopped most communications. Today, the blast remains as one of the world’s most powerful non-nuclear explosions. Within hours, aid across North America was provided to help rebuild the bustling port city. Boston stands out as one of the most prominent actors in its assistance. Because of this, Nova Scotia annually sends a tree to the city of Boston in an act of gratitude for their service after the explosion. Here is the story between the two international partners.
Massachusetts governor, Samuel McCall, arrived at his office at 11 a.m. the morning of the explosion. He learned of Vince Coleman’s message to a train arriving in Halifax that read, “Stop the train. Ammunition ship on fire in harbor heading for pier six. Goodbye.” After this message, neither McCall nor the United States Navy were able to communicate with Halifax. The city had gone dark.
By 10 p.m., former Massachusetts state senator Abraham Ratshesky acquired a train that could bring healthcare professionals, medical supplies, military officers, and Red Cross personnel. As the train moved closer to Halifax, occupants learned how devastating the explosion was as they spoke to eye-witnesses who had fled. Once they approached Saint John, N.B., a blizzard hit, and the engine had lost power. Those aboard shovelled snow drifts as crews worked to repair the engine. Ratshesky urged governor McCall to send another train of medical supplies and healthcare workers immediately. “At every stop we are overwhelmed by doctors and nurses wanting to come aboard. Every available space is now filled,” said Ratshesky. Finally, the train reached Halifax the morning of Dec. 8 and could distribute the much-needed aid.
Bostonians’ generosity has been honoured every year since 1971, when a Nova Scotian tree is sent to Boston Common. Trees across the province undergo a selection process which the provincial government mandates must be 12-15 meters in height, “healthy with good colour,” and symmetrical. Ranging from Cape Breton to the South Shore, several areas within Nova Scotia have had a tree sent to Boston.
This year’s tree comes from Lunenburg County. Former property owners, Ronald and Claire Feener, nominated a white spruce they planted over 40 years ago. After moving from their former house, Claire noted to the current property owners that she hoped to send this tree to Boston, which they were supportive of. Claire described the selection as a “dream come true.” When it got a little bit bigger, it was like, ‘Well, maybe we can grow this for Boston,” she said.
The tree was cut on Nov. 12 in a ceremony attended by Boston’s Mayor, Michelle Wu. Her appearance marks the first time the city’s mayor has visited to receive the tree in Nova Scotia. “Our two communities share a special bond that continues to be strengthened year after year through this holiday tradition and our ongoing partnership,” said Wu.
Wu’s appearance also marked a promise of friendship in times of economic uncertainty, saying “how important this friendship is to the people of Boston, no matter what is happening at other levels of government.” She thanked Nova Scotians for standing with the city as a way “to celebrate our special bond of neighbourly care between Boston and Nova Scotia.”
The tree lighting ceremony takes place Dec. 4 at 8 p.m. AST, where Wu will be joined by Nova Scotia’s premier, Tim Houston. The tree will be lit with 5,000 lights while the Common and Public Gardens will have another 50,000. The perseverance of Bostonians lives on 108 years later as Nova Scotians continue to renew a friendship amidst a year of immense change.