Lone Tree looks back, looks forward with dedication of new Elm

By Cheryl Allen
Posted 8/31/22

The original “lone tree” was legend.  Standing perhaps 10 stories tall, living more than 200 years, it seemed impervious to windstorms and prairie fires.   The only tree on the …

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Lone Tree looks back, looks forward with dedication of new Elm

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The original “lone tree” was legend.  Standing perhaps 10 stories tall, living more than 200 years, it seemed impervious to windstorms and prairie fires.   The only tree on the high prairie was a landmark, a shelter, a namesake. 

Impossible roots to fill.

For 47 years, since the cement-filled trunk of that native tree was finally blown down by strong winds, no tree has been able to take its place on the east edge of Lone Tree.  Trees have been planted, but they have not survived. 

Perhaps the people of Lone Tree embody the spirit and tenacity of that original lonely tree.  They will not give up.  They will not forget. 

On April 27, 2022, the Bob and Judy Viner family planted a new elm tree in the spot where the original elm stood, property now owned by Linda Barton.  On August 26, in conjunction with the city’s 150th anniversary and Fall Festival celebration, a dedication ceremony took place.

“It is my hope that God will bless this tree to display His tower of strength as it grows to become more beautiful in the years to come, spreading its branches of love for the Lone Tree community,” Barton said during the ceremony.

Father Lou followed Barton’s words with a blessing.

“Our Father, we know that you planted the first lone tree a long time ago, and it’s gone.  And you planted us here now to remember those days, what that tree meant in the early days, and what this tree will mean for those who follow us.  Continue to bless this community, its continued growth, the wonderful people who have come out here and will come.”

People gathered around the tree in Barton’s yard, now flanked by apple trees rather than the prairie grasses, to share their stories and memories of their community and its famed tree.  Susan Elliott brought photos, newspapers, and a centennial book that her mother had saved.  Generations of the Viner family had a photograph taken with the new tree.

“Seemingly, the ancient landmark would live on forever, withstanding all of the rigors of age and the elements,” lamented the Lone Tree Reporter as topping the original disease-ridden tree began in October 1965.

Seemingly, the ancient landmark does live on, in the hearts and minds of the people of Lone Tree, even as they look ahead, begin again, and grow anew.