Over 80 years ago, Union Pacific employees hunted down the perfect evergreen tree in the Pacific Northwest. The tree would be loaded onto a Union Pacific train and brought to Omaha’s Union Station, where it was the centerpiece of holiday celebrations.
Now, while the site has been transformed into the Durham Museum, the tradition of Omaha’s “official” Christmas tree lives on, although traveling much less distance. This year’s tree was donated by Mark and Joanie Maszk of Omaha.
On Nov. 18, Union Pacific crews cut down the 40-foot spruce and transported it to the Durham Museum. Nine railroaders helped harvest the tree and load it onto the tractor trailer.
A Union Pacific crew harvested the Christmas tree and transported it through Omaha.
The official tree-lighting took place Nov. 29, and the tree, which is the region’s largest indoor display, can be seen by visitors through Jan. 12. For more information about Christmas at Union Station events, visit the Durham Museum’s website.
The Union Pacific crew above squeezed the tree through the doorway of the Durham Museum.
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