Johann and Elsbeth Reiner Tree Marker

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Madison in Dane County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Johann and Elsbeth Reiner Tree

By William J. Toman, April 21, 2011

1. Johann and Elsbeth Reiner Tree Marker

Inscription. This evergreen commemorates the first Christmas tree in Madison and perhaps one of the first in the country. It was erected at 616 Williamson Street in the log cabin of Johann Jacob Reiner, the 2nd German to arrive in Madison, and his Swiss bride, Elsbeth Hitz, Dec. 1848. The Northern European custom of decorating a Christmas tree soon spread throughout the United States. In 1850, the Reiners built a brick home on the lot next to Johann's blacksmith and carriage shop. During the great German influx of the 1850's many found refuge here and attended church services at the Reiners.

Erected 1986 by Reiner descendants.

Location. 43° 4.584′ N, 89° 22.536′ W. Marker is in Madison, Wisconsin, in Dane County. Marker is at the intersection of Williamson Street and South Blair Street, on the right when traveling west on Williamson Street. Click for map. The marker is on the southeast corner of the lot occupied by the Gateway Mall. Marker is at or near this postal address: 600 Williamson Street, Madison WI 53703, United States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Machinery Row (within shouting distance of this marker); Wisconsin Wagon Company Factory (about 400 feet away, in a direct line); Tragedy of War (about 400 feet away); Madison Gas & Electric Company Powerhouse (about 800 feet away); Nelson House (about 800 feet away); Mattermore - Malaney House (about 800 feet away); St. Patrick's Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Madison Candy Company (approx. 0.2 miles away). Click for a list of all markers in Madison.

By William J. Toman, April 21, 2011

2. Johann and Elsbeth Reiner Tree Marker

The marker is on the rock in the lower center of this photo. The Gateway Mall is in the background.

By William J. Toman, April 21, 2011

3. Johann and Elsbeth Reiner Tree Marker

Credits. This page originally submitted on April 21, 2011, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 162 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 21, 2011, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin.