The Ancient Oak Of Granby

Recently we have explored the history of the Granbys during the 18th and 19th century. Today we will visit a vestige of the 16th century. Before pilgrims settled the area and around the time Columbus landed on these shores, the Dewey-Granby Oak was thriving.

The State Board of Forestry tells us the oak is one of the oldest trees in New England. Fifty years ago it was measured to have a trunk that was 27 feet in circumference, with huge arms that extended over 70 feet long. The book, Connecticut’s Notable Trees, considers it the most “picturesque” tree in the state!

The tree is a white oak (Quercus alba) and had good company in early Connecticut with the Charter Oak of Hartford, which was unfortunately lost to lightning in 1856. Eight generations of the Dewey family owned the farm on which the tree stood. When the old homestead was sold in the mid 70s, the family chose not to transfer the lot where the tree stood.

In 1975, Granby’s Board of Selectmen adopted the Oak as the symbol of the town and it can be found in the town seal and its logo. Many artists have drawn wonderful renderings and paintings of it. Members of Granby’s photography community include Granby Oak images among their favorite subjects.

Over the years there have been many organizations that have loved and cared for the tree. This genuine concern has brought a deluge of advice over the years about care for the oak, few of the experts seem to agree. Perhaps the best advice, though, came from the UConn Cooperative Extension foresters, who said, "Don't over-care for the tree and possibly kill it with kindness."

The continuing saga of the Granby Oak took a dramatic turn early in 1997. An heir of the Dewey family who owned the property decided to list it for sale with an out of town real estate broker.  While the Land Trust was negotiating to buy the property, a young couple purchased it to build a modular house.

Carol Laun, the curator of the Salmon Brook Historical Society, received a call from a concerned local realtor. She immediately began making calls and asking questions. She got the Hartford Courant involved who responded by taking a large color photo and writing a provocative article. The Courant’s editorial staff suggested the use of eminent domain to protect the tree.

The realtors involved were contacted. School children wrote letters. Finally a petition was established to ask the Granby Land Trust to purchase the property. The following days were spent collecting signatures in front of the local grocery store with an overwhelming response - people stood in line to sign the petition. Everyone wanted to talk of their feelings about the tree and the very personal, emotional bond with this majestic oak.

On March 31, 1997, the Granby Land Trust purchased the property and maintains the ancient oak tree today.

For more information, consider these links:

The Charter Oak

 The Granby Oak  

The Coolest Tree