PagePedia^™ History
Segments Presented by Lyle Harvey

THE LONE PINE TREE
(Read at the Page Methodist Church on Mar. 9, 2008)

Here we are in March, spring is just around the corner and hopefully winter is fading away. This is the time we think about planting and new life. I think it is well to remember one of the first trees planted in the Page Community. It came to be known as the Lone Pine Tree. It was a cone bearing pine brought from the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation near Chadron, by Mr. and Mrs. Dan McMillan. It was planted on the hill approximately one and one half miles south of Page on the east side of the road on the Duran Hunt Farm.

When it was planted, it was said to be the only tree in this locality north of the Elkhorn River. A hole was dug in the sand and carp were placed into the bottom of the hole for fertilizer. The tree was carried to the spot in a lady’s apron. As it grew taller it was watered constantly by the Hunt’s and children played around it. Couples sat in the shade it provided and looked out over the Page Community to the north. Later, when directions were give to strangers outside the community, they were urged to make it to the Lone Pine Tree and they would be welcomed and given water.

Dora Hunt married Roy Townsend in the shade of this tree in 1900 and at least two graves were placed under this tree. We think their graves are still there today.

When you drive out of town to the south, look for the tall pine tree on the left side of the road and think about all the history this tree has seen. It is one of the oldest living members of this Page Community.

Have you considered planting a tree with your children or grand children this spring?

Lyle Harvey

Index | Next