Arbor Day Celebration  10:00 Saturday Morning a 21 February 2015  City Hall Gathering Room 110 West Clark Street, Oxford, Georgia  History of Tree Care in Onford  17h Tree City USA Award I"Tree Campus USA Award William H. Murdy Arboretum At George Street Park  1836. - Emory College 1839 - City ofOxford  Bitel XFORD BIRI-FLAECT MMCR INVIRSIP    Youa are cordiallyi invited to attend  The 2015 Arbor Day Celebrations in Oxford  Sponsored by  City ofOxford and Oxford College of Emgry University.  Gity Hal 110-West Clark Street  SaturdayMoming, Feoruary 21,2015  10:00 12:00  Theme: History oft Tree Care in Oxford, Georgia  Dedication: William H. Murdy Arboretum  Refreshments Further Information City: 770-786-7004 College: 770-784-8478    Contents  1. Invitation 2. Order of Program 3. Arbor Day Proclamation  4. Arbor Day Early History - Summary of National, State, Local  5. The Yarbrough Oak Story and Legacy 6. Friends of Oxford Trees Award 8. Oxford College Campus 9. Emory University Tree Policy 11. Yarbrough Oak Site 12. Yarbrough Oak Sonnet 13. Reprise  7. National Arbor Day Foundation Awards: Tree City USA, Tree Campus USA  10. Dedication ofWilliam H. Murdy Arboretum: Portrait, Resolution, Vita, Kiosk Sign  14. Supplementary Program Information and List of Documents filed with' TPR  Each generation takes the earth as trustees. We ought to bequeath to posterity as many forests and orchards as we have exhausted and consumed. -J. Sterling Morton, Founder of Arbor Day  Arbor Day 2015: History of Tree Care in Oxford City of Oxford, Georgia, Trees, Parks, and Recreation Board (TPR) Hulon Clemons, Andrea OToole, Simon Perryman, Anderson Wright  Cheryl Ready, Chairperson  LaTrelle Oliver, Secretary  City of Oxford www.oxorgeoria.org Georgia Forestry Commission www.gfcstate.9a.us Arbor Day Foundation www.arborday.org    Order of Program  Presentation oft the Flags and Leading the Pledge of Allegiance.. Boy Scout Troop 211 Welcome and Introductions - Chair ofTrees, Parks, and Recreation Board Cheryl Ready  Arbor Day Proclamation - Mayor Jerry Roseberry  Georgia Forest Commission Representatives Covington Service Guild Representatives City and College Officials Treel Board Members The Murdy Family  Fantasie by Gabriel Faure  Clara Perez, Oxford College Student  Arbor Day History - National, State, Local The Yarbrough Oak Story and Legacy Friends of Oxford Trees Award National Arbor Day Foundation Awards Ini the heart ofdear old Emory...  Tree City USA Program - 17th Year Award: City ofOxford Tree Campus USA Program - 1st Year Award: Oxford College  Trees on the Oxford College Campus by Sophomore Student Willl Milligan Emory University Tree Policy by University Landscape Architect James Johnson  Syrinx by Claude Debussy  Clara Perez, Oxford College Student  Dedication oft the William H. Murdy Arboretum  Arboretum:  a place where many kinds of trees and, shrubs are grown) for exhibition or study; hence, a1 wooded public park  Here:  at George Street Park, between Wesley and. Asbury, Streets, a place linking campus and town, College and City.  City Council Resolution, November 3, 2014  Arbor Day Tree - Southern Sugar Maple, favored by Dr. Murdy  grown by Bold Springs Tree Farm, at 3.5 inch caliper  Biology Professor Eloise B. Carter  The Yarbrough Oak Site Sonnet by Evelyn Sewell Rineer.  English Professor Emerita Gretchen Schulz  Gifts: Program Booklet History ofTree Care in Oxford  Seedlings - Provided by GFC: and Covington Service Guild Refreshments - Provided by Oxford College of] Emory University    geisome rooE Day  Whereas, In 1872,J. Sterling Morton proposed tot thel Nebraska Board of Agriculture that Whereas, Arbor Dayi is now observed throughout thei nation and the world, and Whereas, trees çan reduce the erosion of our precious topsoil by wind and water, cut heating and cooling costs, moderate thet temperature, clean the air, produce life-giving Whereas, trees are: ai renewable resource giving usj paper, wood for our homes, fuel for our Whereas, trees in our city increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of Whereas, trees, wherever they arej planted, are a source ofjoy and spiritual renewal. Now,' Therefore, I, Jerry D.1 Roseberry, Mayor ofthe City ofOxford, Georgia, do hereby.  as special day be set aside for the planting of trees, and  oxygen, and provide habitat for wildlife, and fires and countless other wood products, and business areas, and beautify our community, and  proclaim Saturday, February 21, 2015 as  Arbor Day  int the City ofOxford, andl I urge all citizens to celebrate Arbor) Day and tos support efforts Further, Iurge all citizens toj plant trees to gladden thel heart and promote the well-being  toj protect our trees and woodlands, and ofthis and: future generations. Dated this 21" day ofFebruary, 2015.  AAA d  BY:  as 5X. de  Mayop    Arbor Day Established - National,  State, Local  On April 10, 1872, in Nebraska City, journalist J. Sterling Morton's idea of a state-wide day for planting trees became reality. Thanks to backing from the Nebraska State Board of Agriculture, over one million trees were planted throughout the state on that one day. Two years later, in 1874, their Governor proclaimed Arbor Day state-wide; then, in 1885, the day became a legal holiday throughout Nebraska. Comparing Arbor Day with other holidays, Morton is quoted as saying, "Other] holidays repose upon thej past.  Arbor Day proposes for thei future."  The idea of conservation education and policy caught on and was championed by such individuals as Birdsey Northrop and the American Forestry Association, Major Israel McCreight (a Pennsylvania conservationist), Gifford Pinchot (Chief of the United States Forest Service), and President Theodore Roosevelt, who on April 15, 1907, issued an "Arbor Day Proclamation to the School Children of the United States" about the importance of trees and the study of forestry. Locally, constituents and neighbors must havel heard oft the movement, for the University's Special Collections retains printed programs celebrating Arbor Day Today Arbor Day is celebrated in all fifty states and many countries. It is observed nationally on the last Friday in April. States and localities may celebrate at times suitable for planting in their region or area. The State of Georgia designates the third Friday in February. Traditionally, the City of Oxford's celebration is held on the Saturday closest to the State's Arbor Day. Throughout the world, people of all ages are planting trees, caring for them, and  atl Emory Collegei in Oxford: in 1891, 1896, and 1900.  learning their value.  In the US, this festival is called Arbor Day. In] Israel, it is called thel New Year's Day ofthe Trees. Korea has a' Tree-Loving Week. Iceland has a Student's Afforestation Day.  Yugoslavia holds an. Arbor Day in the spring and an Afforestation Dayi in  thei fall.  India celebrates a National Festival ofTree Planting.  The simple act of planting a tree represents a belief that thet tree will growand, some day, provide wood products, wildlife habitat, erosion control, shelter form the wind and sun, beauty, and inspiration for ourselves and our children.    Arbor Day at Emory College  In his book, Cornerstone and Grove, Erik Oliver mentions that "Annually from 1883 until Emory College moved to Atlanta, the: senior class planted a tree on the quad before commencement." In attempting to find old city council minutes, City Manager Bob Schwartz and Oxford College Senior Projects Manager Kendra Mayfield were scouring the. Archives in Atlanta and found these "gems of Arbor Day history at Emory College.  emarg Gallego 43430031 .  M Siny ARA  1891  1896  ROGRANSE 4  la I  #sa pr SE Ahty  0 MAS Re GAs. R  1900  1902    The Yarbrough Oak  "The Tree that owns itself"    The Yarbrough Oak Story and Legacy  Once upon a time probably around 1822, a white oak acorn germinated in an old- growth forest in the middle of acreage that, in 1839, would be incorporated as the town of Oxford, Georgia, home of Emory College (now Oxford College of Emory University). The young seedling took root in soil made rich by eons of lush detritus and good drainage, where it grew undisturbed for the next twenty years or sO. That this particular tree continued to survive the development of planned streets, with their houses and essential stores, in the heart of what became the center of a town, is sign ofi its healthy, well-balanced branches and substantial root system. It was neither choked out nor Asir increasing traffic ofhorses, wagons, boots, and college boys began to compact the soil structure, the tree's established roots pushed outward, eventually beyond its canopy's circumference of over 350 feet. Its shade offered respite from the stifling heat of central Georgia summers, and sO the oak established itself as a substantial and welcome presence, with appeal both practical and aesthetic. In the 1870S, The Reverend John Yarbrough (father-in-law of Emory's President Atticus Greene Haygood) and his family occupied a house beneath the sheltering oak and began what was to become a long tradition of tending it. This responsible attitude passed toi the town itselfin 1929 when, perhaps urged by' The Oxford Woman's Club, commissioners "deeded tot thet treet thel land immediately around it, with an edict that no one was to doita any. harm" (Oliver, 15). And thus, "The Yarbrough Oak," "Prince of the Forest, ," "The' Tree That Owns Itself" became Life went on as families and stores came and went, dirt streets were modernized with gravel and asphalt to diminish dust and mud and to accommodate motor vehicle traffic. Contaminants from a service station soaked into increasingly compacted soil; a fungal disease entered the tree's aging and delicate vascular system; and, owners of the old house trenched the ground near the trunk on the south side to install ai new water line. Increasingly, citizens were expressing concern (often outrage) at thel lack of care for city trees - including how they were cleared for power lines and how infrequently piles of In 1981, Beryl Budd began his career as Ranger with the Georgia Forestry Commission. In 1985 he moved to Newton County as Chief Ranger and began his work with the Newton/Rockdale Unit, where he developed extensive knowledge oft the area's vast rural and urban tree cover and began his caring relationship with the City of Oxford. In 1987, new Dean of Oxford College "Bill" Murdy moved to town and initiated a program of beautifying the campus. In 1996, he worked on a joint agreement with the City to connect campus and town center post office by elaborating the Whatcoat Street corridor with sidewalk and street trees: the College would construct the sidewalk and supply and install an alee of willow oaks that would eventually provide shade over the pedestrian walkway; the City would maintain the trees. The method of planting those trees and the plan for their care disturbed some citizens who had paid close attention to  chopped down, astounding accomplishments fori the evolving times!  thei icon we: remember today.  yard debris and other trash were: removed from city rights-of-way.  Mr. Budd's ongoing teaching.    In1997, Mayor Don Turner and Council agreed to establish a Beautification Committee. Beryl called upon Connie Head, then consulting arborist for the City of Covington, to listen to citizen concerns [see report in "Tree Board" files of 1997); and, he continued to raise the possibility of the City's participation in the National Arbor Day Foundation's Tree City USA] program. A citizen representative attended the fortuitously timed Eighth National Urban Forest Conference, September 17-20, 1997, held for the first time in Atlanta. The theme was "Cities by Nature's Design." In 1998, Oxford, Georgia achieved Deterioration of the city's iconic tree alarmed officials and many citizens. As a result, portions of its decaying branches were gradually removed. Sadly acknowledging the tree's condition and inevitable demise, the new Tree Board accepted Mr. Budd's suggestion of propagating seedlings as a way of preserving the legacy of this once vital member of the Oxford community, while at the same time promoting the universal Inc Octoberof1999, Chief Ranger Budd, along with his colleague Archie Ballard and some Oxford citizen volunteers, picked up about ten gallons of acorns. These were sent to the Georgia Forestry Commission's Flint River Nursery for cleaning and propagation under the direction of Nursery Superintendent Johnny Branon. Between 1500 and 2000 seedlings were grown, of which 1100 were of high quality suitable for distribution. In 2001, The Yarbrough Oak's importance in the history of Oxford and the state of Georgia was recognized by the Georgia Urban Forest Council as a Georgia Landmark and During an on-site consultation with Dr. Kim D. Coder, University of Georgia Professor of Community Forestry and Tree Health, the inevitable decision was sadly clear: the time had come for the tree to go. On February 16, 2002, during Oxford's Arbor Day celebration, citizens gathered at the tree's base, extended their arms around its circumference of approximately eighteen feet, clasped hands, and said good-by. As special gifts of memory and promise, healthy seedlings were given away for planting in Oxford, Covington, Newborn, and Conyers, and one to two hundred were planted at the Department of Natural Resources Charlie Elliot Wildlife Management. Area. Five hundred seedlings remained. The GUFC form for ordering one of these records the following information: "Recognizing the merits of this propagation model for perpetuating notable Georgia trees, Connie Head of Technical Forestry Services (TFS) proposed a joint venture to sell the seedlings." Stormy Branch Nursery, Bellville, GA contracted to tend the remaining 3-gallon container-grown seedlings for a season, and TFS developed promotional materials and means of funding. The following year, the seedlings were sold locally and throughout the state in a partnership between the Georgia Urban Forest Council and the City of Oxford Tree Board. In the end, they split Inl late winter of 2002, the City contracted with Bartlett' Tree Experts to reduce the oak's remaining broad canopy and extensive height. Above All Tree Service removed the massive trunk, Growth rings counted at the time, indicated the tree was approximately 180 years ofa age. Caring citizens were not about to allow the historic wood to go unused. Limbs were gathered for fuel. Three mantles and a dining table emerged from sections and planks rendered by Stanley Henderson with his portable saw: mill. Dr. Hoyt Oliver of Oxford College turned countless commissioned items including clocks, pens, and bowls "resurrection pieces," he called them. White oak trees that were planted throughout Georgia and neighboring states continue tol hold promise for forests and communities of  Tree City USA status for the first time.  values of] planting and caring for all trees.  Historic' Tree.  about $5000 in profit from the project.  the future.    Oxford's friend, Georgia Forester Beryl D. Budd, has been present at every turn since he arrived among us. He has consistently championed the process of renewal and care, essential hallmarks of a sustainable community. When Beryl retired from the Georgia Forest Commission, the City sponsored a county-wide celebration for him, September 22, 2012. Thankfully he has now come out of retirement and has been reinstated as GFC Wildfire Prevention Specialist. In 2013, he was officially hired as Oxford's City Arborist. For many years, our faithful friend has consistently championed thej planting and care oftrees in our town. And so we: recognize Beryl D. Budd as recipient of the 2015 Friends of Oxford Trees Award,  which is displayed: permanently at City Hall.  Frienos ofTrees Awaro  The City of Oxforo Prowbly Prociaims the Following Asa "Frieno ofTyees:" The Covington Service Guilo: 2014 Bery D. Bwoo  2015  Sources:  Beryl D. Budd, Georgia Forestry Commission: Ranger, 1981-1985; Chief Ranger, 1985-2005; Sustainable Community Forester, Sr., 2005-2012; Wildfire Prevention  Specialist, 2013.  City of Oxford, Georgia, Archives.  Connie Head, Consulting Urban Forester, Technical Forestry Services. Erik Blackburn Oliver. Cornerstone and Grove - A] Portrait in Architecture and Landscape eofE Emory's Birthplace in Oxford, Georgia. Emory University, 2009. Georgia Urban Forest Council (GUFC) historical summary and order form for Yarbrough Note: Thanks to Beryl Budd, The City of Oxford has twicel been recognized by the Georgia Urban Forest Council with awards for Outstanding Elected or Appointed Official: Councilman Hoyt P. Oliver in 2001 and Tree Board Chairman Erik B. Oliver in 2005.  Oak Seedlings, 2001 and for Arbor Day 2002.    Landmark & Historic Tree Register  THE YARBROUGH OAK  Ine early 2001, the City of Oxford Trees, Parks and Recreation Board completed an application with the Georgia Urban Forest Council to have the Yarbrough Oak placed on the "Landmark & Historic Tree Register." Carol Poole, City Clerk, received the letter and the certificate in  November oft that year.  georgia urbar forest council Dedicated tos improge Gampuswmaisonst  November I. 2001 Carol Poole City ofOxford 110 W Clark St Oxford GA 30054 Dear City ofOxford:  Congratulations! Your application for a treei in your community for Landmark &1 Historic status has been accepted. The White Oak known as the "Yarbrough Oak" has been placed on the On behalfofthe Georgia Urban Forest Council, I would like to thank you for your application and interest in urban forestry. Wee encourage yout toj promote the designation oft this living legacy toi increase awareness in the community about the need toj protect all our urban trees.  LANDMARK. & HISTORIC TREE: REGISTER  Sincerely,  h Steven Strickland. Chair Landmark & Historic Tree Program    What Remained  The Rebirth  Yarbrough Oak from Acorn  to Seedling Planted  Many times over    Certificate of Recogmition  Presented to: The City of Oxford  for achieving Tree City USAcertification for 17 years  nc February 21, 2015  GEORGIA FORESTRY COMMISSION  Robert Farris, Direcior  certificate of Recognition  Presented to:  Oxford College of Emory University for achieving Tree Campus USA certification  TREE USA February y21,2015  GEORGIAFORESTRY COMMISSION  Ropert Farris, Direcior    Trees on Campus  Trees on the Oxford College Campus by sophomore student, Will Milligan  Emory University Tree Policy by University Landscape Architect James Johnson  No Net Loss of Forest Canopy Policy  May 15, 2007  Executive Summary  In the past five years Emory University has experienced unprecedented growth. A consequence ofthis growth has been a significant loss int the quantity and quality of Emory's forested areas. The Emory University Senate adopted al Position Statement On Forest Use that included support oft the policy ofno net loss of forest. However no mechanism was put in place to insure that trees removed during development were replaced in a way to achieve noi net loss. The only means available ist the DeKalb County Tree Preservation Ordinance. However, the county ordinance is not designed with no net loss in mind. The goal ofthe county ordinance is to provide for a minimum number of canopy trees in commercial andi residential development. It does not provide for the replacement oft the actual number oft trees removed during development or for the replacement of equally valuable understory, shrub, and groundcover vegetation. The following No Net Loss of Forest Policy attempts toj provide a simple and reasonable method for  calculating forest replaçement by providing for: I. Af formula to determine individual and total tree canopy. 2. Af formula for replacement canopy. 3. At formula for replacement shrub. and groundcovers.  4. Recommendations fori implementing thej policy in new construction projects.  Introduction  The intent ofthel Nol Net Loss of Forest Policy is to achieve no overail loss of forest canopy duet to construction or renovation ofnew buildings. Secondary goals are toi improve the quality ofexisting forested areas and increase the overall quantity of forested areas on the Emory University campus. Following is an explanation oft the method to be used to determine forest canopy and the resultant  replacement requirement.    CITY OF OXFORD RESOLUTION GEORGE STREETPARK.  TO AUTHORIZE THENAMING OF1 THE WILLIAM MERDY ARBORETUMAT WIEREAS, William Murdys servedt the CityofOxtorda aso ounciimember: anda as! Mayor and served Oxford College and Emory Universitya asp professor ofbiologya anda as Oxford College WHEREAS, William) Murdy faithfully served! his community asar member and latera as WHEREAS, itisf fittingt tor recognize William! Murdy's contributions tol his city, college, NOW HEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR. AND COUNCIL OF THE Thatt the Arboretum at George Street, Parks shall be named: "The William! Murdy Arboretum at George! Street Park"i inl honore off former Dean and! Mayor William! Murdy. ADOPTED THIS! MONDAY, NOVEMBER3,2014.  Dean: and;  chairman ofthe City ofOxtord Trees, Parks, and Recreation board and;  university, ando community. CITY OFOXFORD,  BY:  Jeny D. Roseberrs. Mayer  ATTEST:    Dedication  William H. Murdy Arboretum  ARBORETUM:  aj place where many kinds of trees and shrubs are grown for exhibition or study; hence, a wooded public park. Here, at George Street Park between Wesley and Asbury Streets, aj place linking campus and town, College and City.  What does he plant who plants a tree? Hej plants - in sap and leafand wood, In love ofhome and loyalty, And.far-cast thought of civic good- His blessing on the neighborhood.  Charles Lathrop Pack    Loyal Leader, Teacher, Mentor, Steward Friend ofFolk, Field, and Forest  William H. "Bill" Murdy was bom in Fairhaven, Massachusetts, December 25, 1928. As a youth, he aspired to be a farmer. After graduating from Bristol County School of Agriculture, he served four years in the United States Army. Using the GI Bill, he entered the University of Massachusetts and was awarded the BS degree in 1956. In 1959, he earned the PhD in Botany from Washington University in St. Dr. Murdy joined the Emory faculty in 1959. During his career, he taught a variety of courses dealing primarily with plants. For eight years he chaired the department of biology. He authored numerous papers on plant systematics, evolution, biodiversity, He served as president of Phi Beta Kappa, Sigma Xi, and the University Senate. His many honors include appointment as Charles Howard Candler Professor of Biology in1987 and the Thomas Jefferson Award for distinguished service to the In the 1990s, Govemor Zell Miler appointed him to the advisory committee of the State's Preservation 2000 Program. He was a life member of the board of trustees of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, a trustee of the Nature Conservancy of Georgia, a member of the Oxford College Board of Counselors and the Covington Kiwanis For the last twelve years of his tenure at Emory, Dr. Murdy served as Dean of Oxford College of Emory University where he beautified the campus with native plants. He and Eloise Carter published a guide to plants of granite outcrops; their report on Emory's forests resulted in conservation and protection or the University's natural areas. Relationships between Oxford College and the wider Emory The well-being of both College and City mattered to him. He was appointed member of the Trees, Parks, and Recreation Board 1998-1999 and 2002 until becoming chairman in 2003. He was elected and served as City of Oxford Councilman 2004-2006 and as Mayor 2006-2007. During his service with the City, anew maintenance facility was constructed and the City staff became well-trained Upon retirement, Bill and Nancy Murdy, his wife of sixty-one years, moved briefly to Atlanta but soon retumed to Oxford, where they had bought the historic Hopkins House at 1111 Wesley Street in 2003. There they tended home and garden, family On March 26, at his memorial service and at the reception following in their home, family and friends comforted each other while celebrating the life of this kind and capable man and the good he gave to the places and people he touched.  Louis.  air pollution, and environmental ethics.  university in 1990.  Club.  University community flourished under his leadership.  and efficient.  and friends until his death March 19, 2014.    Wiliam H. Murdy Arboretum  Dedicated February 21, 2015  Arbor Day  Emory University Professor of Biology 1959-1999 Dean of Oxford College 1987-1999  City of Oxford  Trees, Parks, Recreation Board Member 1998-1999, 2002 Chairman 2003 Councilman 2004-2006 Mayor 2006-2007  Resident in Retirement 2003-2014  Loyal Leader, Teacher, Mentor, Steward Friend of Folk, Field, and Forest    Site ofthe Yarbrough Oak  Presently there is no official marker indicating the site of the Yarbrough Oak, though the dwelling of its original caregivers still stands near the corner of Emory and Clark Streets, across from the front steps of City Hall, where, just inside the lobby, on the south wall, hangs a painting by local artist and historian Erik Oliver with thet tree as its focus. Facing the painting and looking through the glass doors, one can imagine the massive oak looming out and up. The Oxford Community News of June 2012 (volume 4, issue 1, page 4) carries this  documentation:  The 30'x4o" piece is titled "Oxford at Sunset" and features a stylized Yarbrough Oak superimposed with a map of the original town plan. The setting sun creates silhouettes of Seney. Hall, Allen. Memorial UMC, Old Thei nights skyi is lit up with stars ands swirls reminiscent of Van Gogh's Starry) Night. Among the branches and forest are dazens of fireflies, which represent the spirits ofi particularly special people of Oxford who have Oliver created the painting as agift! for hisf father, Hoyt Oliver, who retiredi in December [2001) qfter thirteen and one half years of service on the city council. The painting is on long-term loan to the city and hangs in  Church, and City Hall ont thel horizon.  passedo on. Thenz wholei piecei isar mosaice of thousands ofo dots.  thec cityl halll lobby.    Sonnet- - The Yarbrough Oak  For many years, an undated copy of Evelyn Sewell Rineer's sonnet "The Yarbrough Oak" rendered in calligraphy has hung in the former and current city hall buildings. Its relevance now offers al blessing as we go forth from this Arbor  Day Celebration 2015.  Grieve not for those who walk these paths no more. They would live joyfully, in memory; Thus, in their names we mark this ancient tree, AI living witness to days gone before. And as you note the oak near to this door, Blow gently through its leaves, oh winds that be. Share your deep secrets with the youth who see, Reminding them of souls beyond this shore. Blow strength from roots sunk deep in sacred ground. Blow courage for the facing of life's pain. Blow patience from long looking toward the sky. And if, perchance, just one of these be found By some young seeker as he passes by, Your nurturing will not have been in vain.  Evelyn Sewell Rineer, Star-Dusting  Lyrical Poems (Taylor Publishing  Company, Dallas, Texas,1983), p. 16. Rineer lived in Oxford in the 1930s (Capers-Dickson House, 202 Fletcher Street), attended The Oxford Academy, graduated Wesleyan College and Emory Graduate School. Her father, Chaplain Wilbur Stuart Sewell, AEF, War 1, was a member of Emory College  Class of 1907.    Reprise  Emmalise Stone (daughter of Harry Harlan and Susan Bonnell Stone, sister of Susanne Stone Eady, and sister-in-law of Dean Virgil Y. C. Eady) was a schoolteacher. In the mid 1960s, "Aunt Em" stated with authority to new resident LaTrelle Oliver that even geographicaly Oxford is very special = because, according to Indian lore, it lies in the land between two rivers = a safe place to live, where food and water are plentiful, where land is rich for farming, and where there is natural protection from hostile enemies and weather. Here, ancient timbers were already being cleared for farming and settlement in the early 1800s.  It is to this land that the Methodists came calling.  Much of the old growih forest was intact in 1836 when the trustees of recently chartered Emory College purchased acreage sufficient for a new town and school site. The 1837 plan (conceived by friends and colleagues Surveyor Edward Lloyd Thomas and Emory President Ignatius Few) imposed rigid (dare we say, Methodist) order onto the semi-virgin land. And sO, on December 23, 1839, a new town, Oxford, received its charter of birth = and thus its Methodist baptism. Original broad streets accommodated the expansive tree canopy. Though the old growth has declined, the attitude of understanding and appreciation has survived these 175 years. Thanks to the vision and practice of planners and residents, there is in this place commitment to the ongoing planting  and tending of our living arbor.    900000000090099999999XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX099990X99X98  Supplementary Program Information 1. Yarbrough Oak Deed of Ownership, 1929 2. Polly Stone Buck, Recollections in The Blessed Town, pp. 29-30  3. Georgia Urban Forest Council's Outstanding Local Officials Awards, 2001 and 2005 4. Five Easy Steps to Young Tree Training and Branch Pruning 5. How to Plant a Bare-root' Treet  List of Documents - filed with Trees, Parks, and Recreation Board 1. Emory University's Tree Policy, May 15, 2007 2. Tree Maintenance and Long-Term Management in Oxford, 1997 - Transcript of Citizens' Meeting 3. Cities by Nature's Design: Proceedings of the 8th National Urban Forest Conference, Atlanta, GA 4. Folder containing copies of text, notes, and news clippings gathered by Louise Eady  September 17-20, 1997  cocccosocosssoNXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX90000000000000    WARRANTY DEED.  AMITH PRINTING co., Covington, Ga  STATE OF GEORGIA, NEWTON GOUNTY,  Thin Indenture, made this 1y-sepker.  in thes year of our Lord One Thousand LwRG.  Nine Hundred and .29.. between. AGOTAEAN lownship.. Of_Oxford  Rd-parss Lilg M&)rile GE County of New on  Georgia.  of the first and part,  Tat.Piast.0akr9eaa.or.Tha-Parsat. oft the County of. New.ton.-. and State 8orgia,9MAShPp.RE.OXIor4. of the second part, Wimmensetha That the Baid part.- of the first part, for andi in consideration of-SAAK,  Love.and. affection.  2SRk  MEXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX and confirm, unto the said part J...oft the Becond part..  XXXgXXXXXXXXX8A3AXE, ha.ve.. EKXXXXEXaI that tract ory parcel ofland, eitaated  granted, bargained. apld, aliened, conveyed and confirmed, and by these presents do  grant, bargain, Bell, alien, convey lying and beingi in Immahip.ar.xfor4, a ATPAS8R.Ar89TY. Southwest of Hh.DFRBOR.Foa.9FFAP.E.AAi4. Township... including. that Majestic Oak Fm..Ba.7aisBA, and. ten. feet of. land running.88.A.E841MA.FFom the..trunk. of said tree. on. all sides of said tree, this.land.. amd.EFABAFAEEANE she.properby,. including. dwelling, house, omadlyom.ialallallin.sha-aititm4 town. Barber: Be it known by. all men.that.tnis-ia.a4damalyhaaais.oamisicmaaF.6F.aM.5raR.te. 15aalr,.Ehe.sonveyaneR.SFPHAPE. out. of.. the Holylove. and sincere faction.mAtaimlymRAtimmAAsaNSEAer. for. this.  06  Psat.orcofature: andfor.Mathre's God   : n3  D0e  To Haveand ln Hold the said above granted and described property, with all ard eingular the rights, membere and appurtenances thereunto appertaining, to the, oniy proper use, benefit and behoof of thé said part.Joft the second part.. 49XAXXOAAAEXAKXXXXIXSKX in't fee simple. And the eaid part.iest thef first part the saia bargained prop-  i :   erty. above describedlupto the, said part, J.r 'of the secend. part  4AXXXXXXXXXXX against the said  pardes. of the firat part.  heirs, executors! atministrators ands assigos, and againat all and every other  person,  shall and will and does hereby, warrant and forever defend by virture thése presents. Seal S., and delivered these presents, the day and yeir'above writtenp Signed, sealed and delivered sthppyence of w.G--elamEs Ehelia  -st. Ac 507  In Witnens Whereoi, the said partiesof thef firets part ha Ve..heretinto settheifand:. S. and aflxed.their  !  -pKLyoy  iod  EAmeRL SSnus LA-RAh 4  (Seal)  SisAin    Polly Stone Buck recalls Oxford attitudes toward trees in particular "The Tree That Owns Itself" from her book This Blessed Town, pp. 29-30  Along with groceries, Branham's store carried fertilizers and stock feed at the back, and their queer smell filledt thea air. Several farmers' mules and wagons were almost always tied to the long hitching-rail outi in front oft the store. All stores had these hitching-rails, as there had to be something to tie an animal to, and no one dared use a tree. For Oxford was very tree-conscious, realizing that the large ones were thet town's greatest assets, and in laying out the streets and putting upbuildings, thei founding fathers had: felled as: few as possible. They also immediately set out along the new streets little water oaks to grow fora hundred years, and before the century was over, a town ordinance was passed to protect them all. Itread, "Ifany person shall cut, trim, top, damage, or remove: any shade tree: from the sidewalks or streets of the town of Oxford, or hitch any horse, mule or any other beast to any of the same without written permission of the chairman of the street committee, such person shall be punished." And thei town elders deeded to itself the finest of the original white oaks, then over eighty feet high, in order to be sure it escaped destruction at thel hands of any later progress- mad citizens who might object to its location almost in the middle of the main street. "Thetreei that owns itself" is legally safe until time and old age claim it.  Poll Stone Bick The Blessed  Town  Onl,    Honors Bestowed on Oxford Officials  In2 2001, Dr. Hoyt Oliver was: nominated by Chief Ranger Beryl D. Budd as: ai recipient oft the Georgia Urban Forest Council's Outstanding Elected/Appointed Official. Award. As a City Councilman, Dr. Oliver was recognized forl his efforts in regards tot tree carei in Oxford, Then, again, in 2005, Erik Oliver was also honored: for] his work with the City ofOxford's' Trees, Parks, and Recreation Board.    Howi to prune a tree branch correctly  Cut2  Branch Bark Ridge Cut3  Cut1  Branch Collar  Parent Limb or Trunk  DIAGRAM OF THE: 3-CUTPRUNING METHOD  FIVE EASY STEPS TO YOUNG TREE TRAINING PRUNING 1. Remove crossed, broken, rubbing, dead, diseased, and dying branches. This can be done after planting, but no more than these branches should be 2. Select a central leader. Most trees should have a main stem, unforked, known as the "central leader". Select the healthiest, straightest stem and shorten or remove forks and those stems that are competing. These forks and 3. Select the "lowest permanent branch". imagine your tree when it is mature. How low do you want the lowest permanent branch? You might need to wait several years for your tree to grow before you can determine which branch willl be the lowest permanent branch. Most oft the branches int the early years of growth of a medium to large maturing variety of tree will be temporary. 4. Select the main limbs. These should be spaced 121 to 18 inches apart along the stem and be well distributed radially (around the stem). Shorten or remove other temporary limbs. Leave smaller limbs that may eventually 5. Shorten the length of temporary branches and those that compete with the THIS PROCESS WILL TAKE AS LONG AS: 25 YEARS! BEGIN EARLY, AND CONTINUE PRUNING ANNUALLY TO DEVELOP A! STRONG STRUCTURE.  removed in the first year.  competing stems are temporary branches.  develop into the main limbs.  central leader and the main scaffold branches.    How to Plant a Bare-root Tree  2.  3.  Keepmuchaway fromt treet trunks.  Spread mulcht to diameter ofat leastSfeet.  Unpackt tree ands soakb in Dig a hole, wider than Plant! thet tree althes same water 3to6hours. Donot seemsr necessary, sot the depth it stood in the plantwithg padingmaterial roofs can spread without nursery, without crowding attached toroois ando do crowding. Remove any the roots. Partiallyf t the nota allowr rootst todyout. grass within a 3-foot hole, firming the soil  ARAZ mulched tree  circular area. Toa aidn root aroundt thek lower roots. Do growth, tumsoll inanarea notadds sail antendments. upto3feetk in diameter. 5.  Ap properly  Mulch: A Tree's Best Friend Mulchi is ayoung tree's! best friend. Itholds down competing weeds or grass, retains moisture, prevents soil cracking that can damage new roots, protects the trunk from lawnmower damage, and helps prevent soil compaction. Commoni muichesi include bark, wood chips, decorative gravel, and crushed] lava. Organic mulches such as wood chips or piner needles also contribute tob better soil structure and aeration ast they decompose.. Avoid limestone rock and allow noI mulch tot touch the trec's trunk ort be piled higher than 3i inches.  40  Showlhtermahigsal. Aftert thev water! hassoaked Duingd dyweather, water Itshouldbet firmly, butnot in, place a 2-Inch deep thet treeg generously, every tightly packed. Constructa potackemiehhnanara week or 100 days during Mate-halingbashacumi 3leetind diameter around thefi firsty year. the tree. Give the tree the! base oft thet tree (but How to Plant a Containerized Tree  plenty ofwater.  not touching the trunk).  When transplanting, bes sure tok keeps soil around ther roots. Always handle your tree by the ball, not by thet trank or branches. Don'll lett thei roots dry out.] Helpp prevent root girdling by vertically cutting any roots that show tendencies to circlet thes root ball. Dugor rototlied area  Ifat tree is planted correctly, it will grow twice as fast and live at least twice asl long as one that isi incorrectly planted. Ideally, dig or rototill an: area one foot deep and approximately: five times the diameter oft ther rooth ball," Thej prepareds soil wille encourage root growth beyond thei root ball and resuiti inak heaithicr tree.  After placing the tree, pack soil firmly, but not tightly, around the rootl ball. Water the: soil and placca protoctive: 3-foot circle ofi mulch aroundi the trec.  Sioping sides  2to5timest the diameter oftheroot ball  Firms subsoil top prevents setling  15    Thefollowing stories were added by Louise Eady.  Holly Tree at Allen Memorial United Methodist Church  Alarge East Palatka Holly Tree stands between the. Allen Memorial Church sanctuary and the Sunday School Building beside the entrance to the ramp. Virgil Eady, Jr. was told by his. Aunt Emmalise Stone that this tree was grown from a cutting of a tree at the Emory University Campus in Atlanta. The story he was told and the story on the Emory University web site is that the history of this tree dates to the arrival oft the founder ofl Methodism, John Wesley, at St. Simon's Island, Georgia in 1737. Wesley was said tohave enjoyed preaching outside the Christ Episcopal Church on St. Simon's Island under a large live oak. Nearly two centuries later, Bishop Warren Candler and his wife. Antoinette visited St. Simon's and located the live oak known as Wesley's Oak. In the crook ofthe oak tree a holly had sprouted. Mrs. Candler uprooted the holly and brought iti to Emory University and planted it on the campus. There have been cuttings planted in other locations on campus since that date and one such cutting made it to Oxford to the original Emory campus. Therefore, the holly standing next to Oxford's Methodist Church is the descendant ofa a tree that once sprouted in the crook ofJohn Wesley's  favorite oak.  Oaks on Wesley Street  Another story told by Virgil Eady is that his grandfather, Harry Harlan Stone, spent one summer as a child planting oak trees along Wesley Streetin Oxford. This information was given to Virgil by his grandmother, Susan Bonnell Stone and reinforced by his aunt Emmalise Stone. Harry possibly planted along other streets as well. Wesley Street has two straight lines of oaks on the eastern side of the road which were obviously intentionally planted. The inner line of trees marks the edge oft the road right-of-way. Most ofthese oaks seem to be water oaks and pin oaks. Harry Harlan Stone, by the way, became a professor at Emory College as an adult and also served for many years as the Newton County Superintendent of Schools. Palmer-Stone  School was named for him.    Pecan Trees in Old Oxford  Oxford residents living on Wesley and Asbury Streets have noticed that from Watson Street to Clark Street there are pecan trees planted on both sides ofWesley Street in the back yards of the houses, SO that the trees are between the houses on Wesley Street and Asbury Street and also on the other side between Wesley Street and the unopened Coke Street right-of-way. There were originally four or five rows ofl large pecan trees. Some ofthem have died orbeen cut down but most folks have multiple trees in their yards. Itis unknown who planted this grove, but we all enjoy the nuts.  Hemlock Trees on Wesley Street  Bonnell Stone, a native of Oxford, was a forester for many years. For most ofhis career he lived in Blairsville and managed thousands of acres of forest land in North Georgia. He was instrumental in securing the donation of the acreage that became Vogel State Park. One ofhis many accomplishments was that he was a founder of the Georgia Forestry Association and has been When Bonnell retired and returned to Oxford he brought with him some Hemlock Tree seedlings which he planted in the yards ofthe Thomas-Stone house and the Harry Stone house on Wesley Street. There are now four very large hemlock trees on the eastern side of Wesley Street in the yards of David  called the "Father of Forestry in Georgia. >  and Vicki Eady andJonathan and Theresa Eady.  Add as story.  Ifyou know a story about a tree in our fair city, add it here, and send itt to the  TPR Board.    Arbor DayFoundation"  NEWS MARCH-APRIL 2015  Historic State Park Added to Arbor Day Farm Experience Arbor Day Foundation Chief Executive Matt Harris recently announced that a unique cooperative agreement has been reached that will allow the Arbor Day  Foundation to manage adjacent Arbor Lodge State Historical Park, once the home ofJ. Sterling Morton, founder of Arbor Day. Morton's entire 330-acre farmstead will be intact once again and will  offer visitors of all ages an unprecedented experience.  This addition includes the Morton family home, period artifacts, gardens, carriage house, walkways and a virtual arboretum of trees brought in from east and west and planted more than a century ago  on the open prairie by Morton and his wife, Caroline.  Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will retain ownership of the state park portion, but the Foundation will have full management responsibility, including--with the help of members and other donors--making needed improvements to enhance the experience. Find more information on visiting Arbor! Lodge State Historical  Park.  Arbor DayFoundation  MARCH-APRIL 2015