Mel Crawford (Canadian, B. 1925) "Canada Christmas 1781" Signed lower right. Original Mixed Media on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original painting which was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the Canada 15c Merry Christmas Joyeux Noel stamp issue of November 16, 1981. 1981 marked the 200th anniversary of the introduction of the illuminated Christmas tree to Canada. The first such Christmas tree in Canada was set up in 1781 at Sorel, Quebec, by Friederike von Riedesel and her husband, General Friedrich von Riedesel. The General had come to Canada in 1776 in command of a contingent of German troops to help put down the American Revolution. Although expecting her third child, the Baroness with her two children followed her husband to Canada in 1777. Captured by the Americans at the Battle of Saratoga, the family spent two years in captivity and two additional years in the United States before returning to Sorel in 1781. On Christmas Day 1781, the Riedesels moved into a new home, and to celebrate Christmas, the Baroness put up a decorated and illuminated Christmas tree, a spectacle that is said to have astounded her guests. The custom, thus introduced to Canada, spread, and within a few short years, Canadian homes across the country could be seen sharing the joy, beauty, and excitement of having their own brightly lit Christmas trees. And in time, the rainbow of colored cylindrical candles were joined by amazingly detailed wax figurine candles of merry Christmas characters, further enhancing the beauty of the Christmas tree. Image Size: 14 x 11.75 in. Overall Size: 17.25 x 15 in. Unframed. (B06191)