Big tree brings fond memories

Photo by Sally Carroll Sam Alps was in school when her mom, Teddy, and her brother, Jim, planted this tree in 1955.
Photo by Sally Carroll Sam Alps was in school when her mom, Teddy, and her brother, Jim, planted this tree in 1955.

Every time Sam Alps looks at the big old pine tree, she thinks about how much her mother loved the community.

Alps knows almost every crack in the sidewalk by the majestic tree.

She remembers tootling up and down the sidewalk, riding a bike with her sister, right past the tree that her brother and mother planted in 1955. They were given the seedling, along some others, courtesy of Ralph Pogue, the resident state forester for the area at the time.

Though Sam and her sister, Sue, were at school when the seedling was planted, she recalls the street being lined with oak trees, and how important that little pine seedling was.

It was the only one to survive of several that were planted.

Today, the pine tree towers over the McDonald County Courthouse on Main Street.

In a previously published article, Jim recalled that his mother used a hoe to dig the hole to plant the seedling. He used a little spade to help dig the hole.

The property was owned by Herschel Jim Barr, Teddy's brother. He later sold the property to the county and the new courthouse was later built there.

According to the article, Teddy loved that tree so much that she told county commissioners if the tree was ever cut down she'd never vote for them again.

Family members didn't dream the tree would grow to such great heights. Yet Alps thinks it most fitting that the tree symbolizes their mother's love for community.

"Every year when the conservation agent would hand out seedlings, Teddy would be in line," Alps said. "She was ready to plant in hopes the trees would survive. The pine tree was the only one to thrive. Her love for Pineville was great -- she loved the town and she loved the people.

"Many people have leaned up against the tree waiting for court. Oh, if the tree could talk!"

Today, city officials want to plant more trees in an effort to beautify the town.

In late February, the Pineville City Council passed an ordinance regulating the planting, maintenance and removal of trees, shrubs and other plants upon city property in the city of Pineville. With the ordinance in place, city officials will be able to partner with Tree City USA. The agreement will allow the city to obtain trees and partner with school children.

City officials hope the youngsters will embrace planting trees, just like young Jim planted the seedling with his mother's help.

General News on 03/23/2017