Rocky Ford enterprise., 1894-04-26

CROWLEY, Mr. bOlleS duuOuhceu tno hono
OF the tree to be George Washington, and
George Washington" which were given
with q will. The pupils of room No. 2,
Mrs. GARDENER teacher, then planted
Wild Black Cherry in the same manner.
This tree was named 'Longfellow."
Room No. 8, Miss Laura Gates teacher,
planted a Silver Leafed Poplar, and
named it Pocahontas." Room No. 4,
Miss Nellie Guthrie teacher, planted a
Maple, named "Minnehaha." The high
school room taught by Prof. F. B Bolles,
planted an Elm, which was nance "Fu-
qua" in honor OF q former principal OF
the schools. Each tree was planted inSise
same manner and with the same ceremon-
les as reported in regard to Room No. l.
The planting being completed our ma
tional hymn, "America," was sung, ac-
companied by the band, after which the
pupils, teachers and visitors entered the
hall on the second floor. Here the fol-
lowing program was rendered: Song.
Rally round the flag; recitation, A
Spring Festival, by Flossie Elser; Talk
ing in their Sleep, by three boys OF room
No. 9; concert recitation, Origin Of Sweet
Peas, by class No. L; recitation, Colorado,
by Gertie Guthrie; recitation, Pussy Will
low, by Navel Burt; Origin Of the Rose,
by class of No. l. Tho band then fav-
ored the company with selection from
their stand in an adjoining room. The
Arbor Day Queen followed, being reci.
room No. 8. ssSusanna" was then sung
by the entire school. Agnes Clark gave
a recitation, on Grass, followed by dia-
logue by the pupils of No. l, entitled,
Contentment. Stella Crowley recited the
Little Leaves; an Acrostic, "Arbor Day" ,"
was presented by 8 girls Of No.
By hearty response the pupils tend
cred j. H. Crowley vote OF thanks for
his donation Of the trees which had been
planted that day amid music and cheers.
Mr.. Crowley responded in short speech
in which he spoke of Arbor Day as hav-
ing originated at Nebraska City, Neb, in
1872. The day was first observed in Col
orado in 1885, and in 1889 the legislature
made il legal holiday for schools. Mr..
Crowley exhibited to the school num-
Der Of twigs, not much larger than lead
pencils, and in contrast with them sec
ton of q tree such ns planted the previous
day in the school yard. The rings indi-
Gated the annual growth of the tree, show
ing that in four years they had grown
from less than half an inch to four inches
diameter. The Forestry Association Of
Old World were referred to showing the
far greater attention paid to such things
in Europe than in America. The trees
and brooks Mr.. Crowley said were the
poetry of nature, and the children
urged to become enthusiastic in the Ar
bor day idea.
Rev. II. R. Antes made the closing ad.
dress, speaking of theimportance Of culti-
waiting trees for the comfort they give and
the beauty they contribute to the land
gcape. Weshould highly prize the trees.
The place which trees have had in history
was illustrated by referance to number
Of notable ones. First there was the tree
in the garden of Eden which made so
much trouble, the great Charter Oak Of
Hartford, Connecticut, VIM. Penn's Elm,
under which treaty was made with the
Indians which was never broken. The
tree under which Gen. Lee surrendered
to Gen. Grant had a marked place III his
tory. The trees Of liberty had quite .
prominent place in French history in
the time just proceeding the Revolution.
Pueblo's big tree was mentioned as the
largest vegetable growth ever seen in the
Arkansas Valley. This famous tree was
cut down by order of the city council a
number Of years ago but not without the
opposition OF hundreds of citizens who
protested through exciting indignation
meetings. A section Of this tree may
now be seen near tee old depot, Pueblo.
The exercises were quite interesting
throughout and highly creditable to prin-
cipal, teachers, and pupils. Such days
are we'll spent that the sentiment Of Ar
bor Day may be fostered and intensified.
ITO beautify the land of their affection
and to adorn their homes is surely fit-
ting employment for patriotic and home
loving people"
1.-THE section Of the tree referred to is
yet to be seen at Pueblo and bears an in
scription recording the following facts
and traditions:
THE OLD MONARCH.
Age $50 years. Circumference % It.
Height IS feet.
Was cut down in South Pueblo, June
25th, 1883, at a cost Of $3.50.
It was known throughout Colorado as
the oldest Land Mark, in the State.
During the Pixies Peak Excitement this
Old Tree sheltered many a weary trav-
eler. In 1850 there were SO persons mas
sacred by the Indians while camping
near this tree. II is said that IA men
were hung on one of the limbs at differ
ent times. The first white woman who
died in Colorado was buried under its
branches.]