New Beech Comes Home to Oliver Wolcott Library

LITCHFIELD, Conn. - June 12, 2015 - PRLog -- Thanks to a generous anonymous donor, the Oliver Wolcott Library planted a new copper beech tree to replace the majestic 125-year old copper beech that died of natural causes last year. The previous large tree, which was a major architectural structure on the OWL property, was 127 years old, and would have been planted during the time when the Great Blizzard of 1888 hit Litchfield. Due to the significance of the tree, the Library appointed a special committee to explore the best way to honor the special tree, and decide on its future replacement. The Beech Tree Committee was comprised of both library trustees and community members and included: Susan Spencer (Chair), Stuart Chapman, Jim Huffstetler, Drew Harlow, Jane Hinkel, John LaGattuta, Marla Patterson, and Ann Marie White (Library Director).  In deciding its replacement, the Beech Tree Committee explored many options but ultimately decided that another copper beech would be the best choice.

Appropriately for OWL, beech trees have a past that is associated with books and writing.  Historical garden sources, including oxforddictionaries.com and gardenguide.com claim that writing on beech wood originated with Iron Age Germanic tribes, who reportedly would often inscribe magical runes upon beech wood tablets. This practice transitioned into broader writing upon beech wood tablets and from this, the first books can be traced.  A long-standing and still widely accepted etymology assumes that the Germanic base of book is related ultimately to the name of the beech tree.

To preserve the legacy of the more than century old tree, three local artists were contacted to prepare special items for the library made from the tree: John LaGattuta, Richard Heys and Jim Nash.  Artist Richard Heys created unique and specially-crafted bowls that were auctioned at this past year’s Festival of Trees, the Oliver Wolcott Library’s annual fund-raising event held every November.

The new copper beech was planted this week by Arbor Services of Washington who had worked closely with the library and the donor in selecting the individual specimen. “Bill and Joslyn Pollock who own Arbor Services were extraordinarily picky about finding just the right tree for us. They recognized our need for a signature tree to honor our old beech and to celebrate the future.” said Ann Marie White, Library Director.

Copper beech trees often reach heights of 70 to 80 feet, and live for 150 to 250 years.  Small quantities of seeds may be produced around 10 years of age, but a heavy, steady crop won’t be produced until the tree reaches about 30 years of age.

“We are truly delighted to have another copper beech blessing the lawn of the Library to welcome visitors and celebrate the beauty and inspiration of nature. We encourage everyone to stop by the Library and say hello to our new tree!” said White.