August Imgard facts for kids
Augustus "August" Imgard (1828-1904) was a German immigrant. He is known for helping to make the Christmas tree popular in the United States. Many also believe he was the first person to decorate a Christmas tree with candy canes.
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August Imgard's Christmas Legacy
From Germany to Ohio
August Imgard was born in Wetzlar, Germany, on January 8, 1828. When he was younger than 20, he moved from Germany to Wooster, Ohio, in the United States. There, he started his own business as a tailor, making clothes for people.
The First Decorated Christmas Tree
In 1847, August Imgard did something special. He cut down a blue spruce tree from a forest near Wooster. He then asked a local tinsmith to make a star for the top of the tree.
He brought the tree home and decorated it in a unique way. He used paper ornaments, shiny gilded nuts, and German cakes called Kuchen. The tree stood on a platform that slowly spun around. A music box played tunes while people came from all over to see his beautiful creation.
His Lasting Impact
August Imgard passed away in 1904. He is buried in the Wooster Cemetery. To honor him, a large pine tree above his grave is lit with Christmas lights every year.
While August Imgard is no longer thought to be the very first person to bring the Christmas tree to America, he is still recognized as an important early supporter. He helped make Christmas trees a popular tradition. The National Confectioners Association also credits him with being the first to put candy canes on a Christmas tree. Back then, the candy canes were white and did not have red stripes.
