~by Chuck Offenburger for the Greene County Historical Society
The Greene County Historical Society will have its monthly lunch and program on Friday, Sept. 2, at historic St. Patrick Catholic Church, five miles west of Churdan.
The program is at 12:45 pm and is “A Brief History of Greene County Trees” with Lynn Menz and Margaret Hamilton.
Menz is a former science teacher, and Hamilton is vice-president and program director for the Historical Society. Both are members of the Jefferson tree committee, which plants trees on the city parkings in Jefferson with help of local students. He has the deeper knowledge of trees, Hamilton said, and she’s bringing her county historical knowledge.
There are some notable old trees they’ll discuss.
The “Council Oak,” which stood by the Gallup House, was the only tree on the site of Jefferson when the city was founded. There was a “post office tree” by Pleasant Hill Church which was on the stage coach line. People posted messages on it for travelers and people in the neighborhood to read. In 1965 when the Mahanay Memorial Carillon Tower was under construction, a Christmas tree was secured on the top of the concrete forms, 165 feet in the air, and was lighted every night.
They will also talk about the ravages of Dutch elm disease, storms that have damaged trees, and accidents that have involved trees.
The 12 pm lunch in the St. Patrick church basement is $10; check on available reservations by calling 515-386-4408. There’s no need to RSVP for those who would like to attend only the program.
