The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1914-11-07

MAYOR coFRln'S FIRST Tenn

John Elliott of SIS Topeka avenue
was one OF those who took part in the
Arbor day when the general tree
planting on the state house grounds in
Topeka took place. Mr.. Elliott. who
u one OF the best known of the older
residents of the city. was at that time
member OF the city council SO that
his activities on that almost forgotten
Arbor day were OF . semi-omcial
character
1T have forgotten what year it was.
but it was during Mayor Cofran's first
term as mayor. believe" said he.
Everybody in town was called on to
made of the tree planting on the state
house grounds, which up to that time
had been pretty badly neglected
set out four trees near the side
walk between Eighth and Ninth streets
on Harrison 1 think that some of
them, at least. still stand"
Mr.. Elliott's statement about the
tree planting came in response to an
inquiry made by the State Journal as
to who in Topeka recalls having taken
part In that old time Arbor day OBJ
servance- 1t happened nearly thirty
years ago. for Mayor Cofran's first
term in the Office he now holds ex-
one Of those years it was he does not.
himself. recall
Work Of Old Settlers.
Topeka owes an undeniable debt of
gratitude to those early day tree plant
ersl Fred r. Huntoon il another who
took part in that celebration. There
were many others, then active in the
affairs of the city. whose names might
well be put on a roll Of honor to be
preserved The tree planters contrib
uted largely to Topeka's present day
well being, for they converted the
townstte from a barren stretch Of
prairie into one Of the leafiest cities Of
the middle west
Many Topekans yet remember the
near riot which resulted about 1895
when a landscape gardener overhauled
the topography of the state capitol
grounds and cut out a fine row of elms
along Harrison street which then
spread their arms well over toward
the opposite sidewalk. That same
gardener undertook to close the foot
paths which extended diagonaIiy
across the grounds It was John A. Dali
ley. who formerly lived at 212 Fill
more street. who declared his inde-
pendence by walking across the
grounds, daring the city authorities to
arrest him for trespaAs.
Hundreds OF people lined up to wit
ness the performance which had been
announced in advance. The fight re-
nal walks. much to the disgust of the
landscape gardener who didn't want
them But the protest OF citizens did
not save the fine old trees which his
axemen felled to make way for a
walk. 1t il said that no such trees as
those, which must have been much
older than the city itself. are now to
be found in Topeka
| A statement which may provoke
discussion on the part of old timers
and naturalists, as well, has been sent
to the State Journal by a friend who
takes an interest in the old trees
about the city. The writer, a well
known Topeka woman who signs her
self TX r. w." born in this city,
says:
''Of those who pass the big tree
which stands about 100 feet north of
the bridge which spans the Shunga-
nunga at Kansas avenue and TWEEN
tieth street. perhaps few know that
one Of the limbs stretching across the
road reached down. rooted and grew.
| thus forming a living arch of elm
over the road.
"A fire started by some Indians
burned through the arch and, like a
monument to the memory OF a well
meant endeavor to shade both sides
OF the road. the remainder Of the arch
stands out from the tree. bare, dead
and seemingly dwarfed by the unre-
| tarded growth of the other branches
which continue their friendly work by
sheltering the children. grandchildren
and great grandchildren Of the Kan
sas pioneers
The best view of he tree and the
| remains OF the arch is obtainab BILE
J from the southwest side
The State Journal will gladly re-
cord the names OF any others who re-
call details OF the early tree planting
days Of Topeka and care to send in
accounts Of their recollectionA