OCR Text |
Show Old Washington Oak Preserved in Georgia St. Marys, Ga. Through the efforts ef-forts of George D. Pratt, president of the American Forestry association, associa-tion, who visited St Mary with Mrs. Pratt and Mr. and Mrs. Obid Butler, two famous old trees, the Washington tree and the first pecan tree In the state, have been entered in the Flail of Fame. The old Washington tree, the only surviving tree of three planted plant-ed at that time, bears an historical legend. On the day that Gon. George Washington died word was rapidly sent over the country, and when heard at St. Marys a funeral service was held. A fhig-drnped coffin was brought up the St. Marys river and landed at the dock, and accompanied by soldiers with muffled muf-fled drum beat and maDv sorrowing sorrow-ing citizens, was carried to this spot In St. Marys and buried with nil funeral rites and ceremony. Three trees wore planted at that time, and to this day only one Is remaining, called the Washington tree. This old oak has for many years stood there unknown until the visit of Mr. Pratt, who, being Intensely Interested In its history, had same brought up before the Historical society, where later it was entered In the Hall of Fame at Washington. Pictures of this grand old oak and write-ups have appeared In various magaziues over the country since then. The other tree, the first pecan tree in the state, Is also ot great note. Over a century ago old Capt. Samuel Flood, who was on a schooner plying between New York and Charleston and St. Marys, found a keg of nuts flouting in the water. He picked it up and brought it to St. Marys, planting some of the nuts, and this old tree, the first planted, Is still remaining. |