News Photo by Patty Ramus Debbie and Jerry Krans of Alpena pose for a photo near the blue spruce tree they donated for this year’s city Christmas tree Friday afternoon at Culligan Plaza. The couple purchased the 34-foot tree 31 years ago at Perch’s IGA for $5.

Jerry and Debbie Krans never imagined the one-foot blue spruce they bought 31 years ago would one day grow up to become the 34-foot tree that is being displayed as this year’s Alpena city Christmas tree. The couple purchased the tree in 1978 for $5 at Perch’s IGA and planted it in the corner of their front yard on Baldwin Street. Over the years as the tree grew, it became a well-known landmark in the neighborhood. “We used to put lights on it until it got too big. I used a step ladder and a broom to put the lights on it,” Jerry said. The tree often was a focal point of family gatherings and served as a background for photos signifying important events such as graduations. Since the tree was cut down and hauled away by city workers, the neighbors and the couple’s daughter have commented on the tree’s absence and that things don’t look the same any more. Their son, who currently lives in the Minneapolis, Minn., area has yet to see the yard without the tree.