ALMA MARGARET BIELENBERG HIGGINS

ALMA MARGARET BIELENBERG HIGGINS

1874-1962

Born: 15 July 1874, Deer Lodge, Montana Territory - Died: 15 March 1962, Butte, Montana

Notes for ALMA MARGARET BIELENBERG HIGGINS:
Alma Higgins 87, nationally known as “The Christmas Tree Lady” died in her home at 207 W. Broadway, Butte Montana. She was noted for her garden club and conservation work. She was the last survivor of the Nicholas J. Bielenberg family, of Deer Lodge, Montana. Mrs. Higgins, who is given credit for inspiring the planting of the first national Christmas tree on the White House grounds in 1924, had influenced many individuals and communities to adopt her idea of a “living” tree to portray the legend of “oneness” of all nature at Christmas time. She was a pioneer in the forest conservation field, beginning her campaign as early as 1904. She was one of the founders of the Rocky Mountain Garden Club in Butte in 1921. Mrs. Higgins attended the old College of Montana in Deer Lodge. She was a member of the Sons and Daughters of the Montana Pioneers.1

Publications
1. The story of the Christmas tree by Alma Margaret Higgins. [Butte?] : Higgins, ©1929.

2. O tree of light and life : a Christmas pageant with peace theme by Alma Margaret Higgins. Butte, Mont. : [s.n.] ©1940.

References
1. Montana Standard-Butte 17 March 1962, Obituary