Throughout the years you always know it’s the holiday season in Downtown Alpena when you see the lit garland wrapped around the lampposts, decorated storefronts, and the giant Christmas tree in Culligan Plaza. Before the tree was put in Culligan Plaza in the 80s the city decorated the pine tree in front of City Hall. Some of the earliest photos we have of the downtown Christmas tree date back to 1966!

Both photos taken 1966, credits to George R. and Edith Angell Cook Special Collections
Alpena County George N. Fletcher Public Library

Both photos taken 1972, credits to George R. and Edith Angell Cook Special Collections
Alpena County George N. Fletcher Public Library

First photo taken 1978, second photo taken 1976, credits to George R. and Edith Angell Cook Special Collections Alpena County George N. Fletcher Public Library

First year the Christmas Tree was put in Culligan Plaza 1980, second photo taken 1982, credits to George R. and Edith Angell Cook Special Collections Alpena County George N. Fletcher Public Library

Both photos taken 1993, credits to George R. and Edith Angell Cook Special Collections
Alpena County George N. Fletcher Public Library

Be sure to come downtown and take your picture next to the Christmas tree in Culligan Plaza before the New Year. Happy Holidays!!