Halifax Explosion Christmas tree prepared for journey to Boston from Cape Breton
BLUES MILLS, N.S. — A massive Nova Scotia Christmas tree has begun its journey to Boston, part of a tradition that recalls how New England residents helped Halifax after a massive explosion ripped through the provincial capital 100 years ago.
Each year the province cuts down a tree and sends it as an act of gratitude for the trainload of volunteers and supplies that was sent to assist thousands of injured and homeless citizens in the city devastated by the Dec. 6, 1917, blast.
The 100th anniversary tree is a 45-year-old, 16-metre white spruce that was cut down in a ceremony Wednesday in Blues Mills, about 38 kilometres from Baddeck in Cape Breton.
Bob and Marion Campbell and their family are the donors.