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The third Friday of May has been declared to be Arbor Day on this Island and it is quite a traditon to follow. Charlottetown has been celebrating Arbor Day since 1884. Oh, how they celebrated it. On that first Arbor Day there were over three hundred hardwood trees of 12 different species planted along streets and in the squares of this city.[There were 110 trees planted in Rochford Square alone]. They didn't just go and dig holes, they paraded to the sites and here and there stood horses and carts loaded with trees.Plans had been prepared and approved by the committee. Each member had to plant at least one tree. The Lt Governor was there, so was the Mayor and every other important person in town.It was a Grand Event. Even a few women participated. In a couple of years they even added a military band. Can you just imagine it. Arbor Day was founded in Nebraska and was first celebrated in 1872. It didn't take us long to pick up the idea and we did celebrate it for years. Our town would never be as green if that had not happened. There was a gap and then when we began the Heritage Foundation we worked at bring it back and now it seems to be instilled in our minds again and the Island Nature Trust keeps Islanders aware. So go out and plant a tree tomorrow to celebrate. It is a satisfying activity. Written Thursday, May 18, 2000 at 08:59 PM |
(c) 2000 by Catherine Hennessey. Questions or comments? Email me@catherinehennessey.com
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