The aluminum Christmas tree is a unique cultural artifact that embodies a certain era of American history. Born out of the Space Age fascination with new materials and technologies, the aluminum Christmas tree was a symbol of modernity and progress. Its journey from a novelty item to a piece of nostalgia is a fascinating story that intertwines with the socio-cultural transformations of the mid-20th century America.
The Aluminum Specialty Company, a Manitowoc, Wisconsin-based kitchenware manufacturer, is credited with introducing the first commercially-produced aluminum Christmas tree in 1959. Dubbed the “Evergleam,” this shiny, silver tree represented a radical departure from the traditional green, pine-scented Christmas trees. Its metallic sheen captivated the imagination of people who were excited about the prospect of a future shaped by science and technology. The aluminum Christmas tree became an instant hit, and by the mid-1960s, the Aluminum Specialty Company was producing more than one million Evergleam trees annually.
The advent of the Space Age in the 1950s and 60s had a profound impact on American society. It was an era marked by rapid technological advancements and a growing fascination with anything futuristic. The aluminum Christmas tree perfectly encapsulated this spirit of the times. With its sleek design and shiny appearance, it was seen as a symbol of modernity and progress. People were drawn to its novelty and the promise of a new, exciting future that it represented.
However, by the 1970s, public sentiment began to shift. Environmental consciousness was on the rise, and there was a growing nostalgia for traditional customs and practices. The aluminum Christmas tree, once a symbol of modernity, came to be seen as artificial and out of touch with nature. Sales plummeted, and by the late 1970s, the Evergleam was no longer in production.
In recent years, however, there has been a resurgence of interest in the aluminum Christmas tree. As people look back on the mid-20th century with nostalgia, these shiny silver trees have come to be viewed as charming relics of a bygone era. Today, vintage Evergleam trees are sought after by collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate their unique style and historical significance. The story of the aluminum Christmas tree is a fascinating example of how cultural artifacts can reflect societal trends and attitudes over time.
