- Edith Hammond
Many of you have fond memories of the two old trees at the far end of the athletic fields, the ones that stand guard over the hilltop. Over the summer it became obvious to tree care specialists that there were significant structural issues with these trees. Being very intentional about such big decisions, we decided to call an arborist. One of our instructors knew just the fellow, an arborist certified by the International Society for Arborculture. The short, sad story is that the larger of the two trees must come down and must come down immediately. There are structural cracks which make it unsafe. Very unsafe.
As I knew this news would distress many of you who have come to see these trees as members of the EW extended family, I decided to wait to take the trees down until I could let the campus community know. I did not want them to be surprised—or horrified—when the tree experts came to dismantle it.
I know that many others cannot possibly get back to campus, but might like a chance to say good-bye. So, I have posted a photo, taken by Edith Hammond ‘09. Remember the sunrises coming up over that knoll?
Photographers: I would be appreciative of any images you have captured or may capture in the next day or so. These fine fellows have seen many an exciting athletic competition, enjoyed many extraordinary sunrise, and have heard thousands of special secrets from the members of the EW community throughout the years. They deserve a place in our photo album!
An incredibly beautiful picture by the photographer and a keepsake forever for the EWS archives!
I agree – this picture is fabulous! I wonder…can this be enlarged and hung somewhere on campus in addition to being placed in photo archives? It really is an awe inspiring shot..just a thought
Thought you all should know that this lovely old tree is no longer on the hilltop. As it was removed, the evidence of its deterioration was obvious–the entire lower portion of the trunk was hollow!
Very sad … end of an era.
That’s the tree I was hanging from in my 1980 senior photo.
How great that you have such a good memory preserved in a photograph. It’s sad to think the tree’s branches couldn’t have handled anyone hanging from them in recent months. I am glad you, and others, had the chance to enjoy them. Future generations will have to find a new, special places on campus. Hmmm, I hope attention doesn’t turn back to the Tower!
It greatly saddens me to hear that that tree has died. It figures prominently in one of my most clearly-etched memories: it was just under that tree, at the beginning of a snowfall, with snowflakes melting in my hair and on my eyelashes, that I had my first kiss. I opened my eyes and she said, “you look like a snow fairie.” In short succession, my first two kisses.
How sad that it is gone now.