Iconic Hamden Landmark Destroyed By Vandals: Officials

HAMDEN, CT — Hamden’s iconic Mt. Carmel landmark, “The Door Tree,” which was featured several times in Ripley’s “Believe It or Not,” has been destroyed by vandals, the Executive Board of the Hamden Historical Society announced Thursday.

A Hamden Historical Society supporter who contacted a society board member Wednesday afternoon expressed concern that he was unable to locate the tree. The board member visited the site a few hours later and was able to confirm that 150-year old the tree had been knocked down and cut into pieces with a chainsaw, according to a press release from David G. Johnson, Hamden Municipal Historian. Officials don’t know exactly when the damage occurred.

“For many years it has been feared the tree would be the target of vandalism due to its remote location, in a small valley about 50 feet off New Road near Clark’s Pond,” the press release states. “Mayor Curt Leng expressed shock and anger when notified earlier today of the tree’s destruction. The Hamden Police Department and officials from the Regional Water Authority, which owns the land where the tree stood, also have been notified.”

Ted Norris, Vice President of RWA Asset Management, has assured the historical society that RWA police, who work hand in hand with Hamden police, will investigate the destruction of the landmark and will aggressively seek to identify and prosecute those responsible, according to the release.

“’The Door Tree,’ a natural phenomenon consisting of one tree growing into another, forming a doorway-like arch, had been recognized by locals as a prominent Mount Carmel landmark ever since it was first photographed around 1898,” according to the press release. “The tree was featured several times in Ripley’s 'Believe it or Not,' and in Rachel Hartley’s The History of Hamden Connecticut -1776-1936. Now it is gone!”

A private reward of $1,000 is offered to anyone who provides information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the destruction of “The Door Tree,” according to the historical society.

Contributed photo / Hamden Historical Society